How Unhappy Workers Can Hurt Your Business

As a business owner, it's important to promote a positive working environment while maintaining a high level of worker satisfaction. When workers become unhappy, it can adversely affect your business's operations in several ways. Unfortunately, nearly less than half of all U.S. workers say they are very satisfied with their current job, according to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center. Neglecting to improve worker satisfaction is a serious mistake that can hurt your business in the following ways.

Lower Productivity

One of the first changes you'll notice to your business's operations when a significant number of workers are unhappy is lower productivity. Unhappy workers lack the motivation and drive to excel in their respective job. They may still show up to work, but they won't put forth the effort to excel, resulting in lower productivity levels.

Increased Rate of Worker Injuries

You can expect more injuries to occur in your workplace when workers are unhappy. Unhappy workers are often disconnected form their job. They aren't as focused as their satisfied counterparts, so they don't give the job their full attention. Unfortunately, this means unhappy workers are more likely to have an accident that causes injury. From slip-and-fall accidents to vehicle accidents and more, you can expect injury rates to rise if worker satisfaction at your business is low.

Higher Turnover Rate

It shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that unhappy workers are more likely to quit their job than happy, satisfied workers. If an unhappy worker finds a different employment opportunity, he or she may take it. You can't retain all your business's workers, but you should strive for a low turnover rate. When a worker quits, you'll have to spend time, money and resources to find a replacement.

Poor Reputation

Unhappy workers can even hurt your business's reputation. Work will quickly spread that workers are unhappy at your business, so other prospective job seekers -- and even your business's customers or clients -- may view your business negatively. To prevent this from happening, you need to foster a positive culture that promotes a high level of worker satisfaction.

Don't let your business suffer because of low worker satisfaction rates. Focus on creating a positive, enjoyable working environment. Not only will it improve worker morale, but it will also strengthen your business's operations by increasing productivity levels, reducing worker injury rates, reducing worker turnover rates and preserving your business's reputation.