As a manager or employer, it is worth reflecting occasionally on how happy your workforce is. Do you think your staff are happy? Would you know if they were not? Do you experience high staff turnover?

The answers to these questions are clues to the likely levels of happiness and job satisfaction amongst your employees. We've put together 10 proven techniques for creating a happy and contented workplace that apply to any work environment, from a two-person office to a 2000-person factory.

1. Treat all employees with respect and equality.
2. Communicate with your employees. Good communication is more important than almost anything else. It should be possible for all employees to have open and honest conversations without any fear of reprisals or victimisation over complaints. Without good communication, you won't even know if there are any problems in your workplace.
3. Provide recognition for employee achievements – work achievements, new qualifications and long service. Even just a verbal congratulation can go a long way.
4. Recognize that your employees are private people too. Remember their birthdays, learn about their families and hobbies and make sure they are able to maintain a suitable work/life balance.
5. Adopt flexible working policies where possible. Research has shown that these are almost universally welcomed. Flexitime is not appropriate for all roles, but think about other types of flexibility:
1. Allowing parents days off when their children are unwell without requiring that they record vacation or sick leave.
2. Consider requests for minor changes to their working environment – allow the use of a radio, open windows in the summer, improve lighting – small things like these can help create a feel good factor for little or no cost.
6. Think about small benefits you could provide at little cost – providing a choice of free drinks in the workplace kitchens, perhaps providing newspapers or a TV in the rest areas, allowing personal internet access during break periods.
7. Make sure that your business has clear goals and a well-defined strategy. Then make sure that all your employees understand it, and give them the chance to question it. People work better when they understand their goals.
8. Think about training. Training can allow employees to do their existing jobs better, and to progress to new, more challenging roles. Both can improve morale and increase productivity.
9. Empower your employees – where possible, give them the opportunities to make decisions and take responsibility. Most people will rise to the challenge and take more pride in their work as a result.
10. Make sure you hire the right people. Involve existing staff in the recruitment process and take care when selecting new staff. Disruptive or unproductive staff can have a devastating effect on team morale.

Remember, keeping your employees happy isn't just a gesture. It will improve your bottom line, reduce staff turnover and give you greater flexibility to grow your business.