Is the concept of employee happiness too touchy-feely? How about if it’s called ’employee engagement’? Or if it’s discussed in the context of ‘company culture’? You know by now that if you don’t think about engagement and culture, your turnover rates will rise and your hiring success will take a nosedive. Here’s why:

According to a recent Gallup poll, 70 percent of American workers are disengaged on the job. Too bad for them? It’s worse for you. That 70 percent cost the economy an estimated $550 billion in lost productivity.

But recent research from the University of Warwick discovered happiness increases productivity by up to 12 percent. So, here are five things you can give your employees that will make them happy—therefore improving your bottom line!

Feedback

Your employees want to feel like their opinions matter. When they don’t feel heard, they don’t feel respected. And when they don’t feel respected, they start looking for a new place to work. Actively solicit their ideas and opinions, and set up regular meetings where teams can talk through top suggestions to see how they might be implemented. And if one is implemented, be sure everyone knows it!

Pride

More and more employees want to work for socially conscious companies that give back to their communities or do other good in the world. You know how great you feel after doing something nice for another person? Empower your team with that same feeling by starting a volunteer drive, offering “volunteer days off,” or organizing a group to do hands-on charity work.

Education

Good employees want to learn, and they want opportunities for professional growth. If you give them what they want, along with a clear view of their path up the corporate ladder, they’ll be more likely to settle in for a long time.

Acknowledgement

Your employees have a life outside of work, and sometimes the demands of that life can interfere with their on-the-job responsibilities. Whether they have a sick child, an elderly parent or a demanding night school program, support them as people—get to know them and their individual lives and needs.

Rewards

Money isn’t everything, and on its own, it won’t create happier employees. But if they feel fairly compensated and rewarded for their hard work, and aren’t stressed about making ends meet, they’ll have a much better attitude towards their work and your company.

How have you made employee happiness a part of your company culture? We’d love to hear from you, so share your thoughts and opinions below!