In the world of business, we tend to focus heavily on consumers and profit. In the commerce classes that I am currently taking, we have been mainly fixated on the customers, the people who purchase a business’s products and services. We’ve learned the importance of being able to observe and adapt to changing demands and markets, and we’ve delved into how to create  and deliver value propositions to consumers.  This is completely understandable as the main point of a business is to make profit and it is impossible for any businesses to function without any consumers. BUT is it the only thing that determines the success of a business? What if there is something even arguably more important than creating value for consumers? ...like a business’s employees?

This article I found on Business Insider suggests that we may be overlooking the importance of our employees. No big companies would be  in its position without the work of its employees.  An entrepreneur or CEO’s brilliance in business may play a role but it’s the employees that make the magic happen ultimately. Without employees, a business’s operation and productivity would simply go downhill. There is just no one single person who can do ALL the work necessary.  Research as shown in the article indicates that employees are more productive, make better decisions, and are more creative and motivated when they are happy. The bottom line is that businesses who have happy employees are much more productive and efficient. With a higher level of productivity and efficiency, you are bound to be more profitable in the long run. If a business wants to be successful, ensuring that a business has a strong and dependable employee base is very necessary.  Think of it as an investment with an almost guarantee long term reward.

While I completely agree on the importance of creating value for consumers in the products that a business offers, I think a business also needs to make sure it creates value internally. People shouldn’t be dreading and hating to go to work on a day to day basis. Creating a positive, fun, and happy working environment is just as important as making sure customers value needs are met.

SOURCE:

http://www.businessinsider.com/why-happiness-at-work-matters-2014-8