Mental Health Month: Why it's important to have happy workers to increase sales
May 16, 2023
Paula Moya

May is widely recognized as the Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and promoting the importance of emotional well-being. 

Companies often focus on sales strategies, marketing campaigns, and product development, but the impact of employee happiness on sales should not be overlooked. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of cultivating happy workers and the positive impact they can have on your organizational culture and your overall results, especially in your sales force. 

The Importance of Mental Health for Companies and Employees:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health conditions affect approximately 1 in 4 people worldwide at some point in their lives. And research suggests that untreated mental health problems cost the global economy trillions of dollars in lost productivity.

Numerous studies have established a strong correlation between employee happiness and customer satisfaction, loyalty, and sales. According to a Gallup study, organizations with highly engaged employees outperform their competitors by 147% in earnings per share. Happy employees create a positive work environment, resulting in improved customer interactions, enhanced customer experiences, and increased sales conversions. 

And companies that invest in happiness are well retributed! A study by Deloitte estimated that for every dollar invested in mental health support in the workplace, there is a return of $4.10 in improved productivity and reduced absenteeism. Furthermore, companies with mentally healthy workforces have reported higher levels of employee engagement, job satisfaction, and retention rates.

Think about it, when your employees are happy, and mostly the ones that have external-facing roles, they are more likely to engage positively with customers, providing exceptional service that goes above and beyond expectations. And thus, satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat customers and advocates for the brand, leading to increased sales through word-of-mouth referrals. A study by the Harvard Business Review revealed that customers who had the best experiences spend 140% more compared to those with poor experiences.

Happy employees who genuinely care about customer satisfaction can significantly impact sales growth and customer loyalty, so prioritizing employee mental health and providing resources for stress management would lead to improved focus, creativity, and resilience, ultimately driving sales growth.

What you can do to create a Culture of Happiness:

  • Foster a positive work culture that prioritizes employee needs.
  • Give regular employee recognition, opportunities for professional growth, and establish open communication channels.
  • Set up a flexible environment, remind your employees you care about their work-life balance.
  • Create a program of benefits or perks to motivate them to be more innovative, and dedicated, leading to increased productivity and, consequently, higher sales performance.

As we observe International Mental Health Awareness Month in May, it is essential to recognize the direct correlation between employee happiness and sales growth. By prioritizing employee wellbeing, organizations can foster a culture of happiness, motivation, and engagement, leading to improved sales performance and long-term profitability. Investing in the happiness and mental health of employees is not only a compassionate approach but a strategic one that pays dividends in boosting sales and achieving business goals.