Levels of employee happiness in the workplace can have a serious effect on productivity, according to one expert.

Head of the centre for well-being at New Economics Foundation, Nic Marks, said today that businesses can ensure more efficiency and a better work rate from staff who are happy.

Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) annual conference, Mr Marks said: "If jobs aren't challenging or interesting enough this will be reflected in lack of commitment, underperformance and satisfaction."

He added that more organisations were coming to realise the importance of providing challenging roles with regular checks on staff satisfaction.

"Employers should focus on well-being at work by identifying and sharing good practice, and should implement well-being audits."

The CIPD annual conference is now celebrating its 60th anniversary and attracts over 5000 visitors each year according to HRzone.co.uk.

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