How to Make Your Programmer Happy
Keeping programmers happy is nearly an oxymoron at times. On the one hand, programmers are hired employees who you are the boss of. On the other hand, programmers begin to make very obfuscated and poor code when they are unhappy. Striking a balance between productivity and personal satisfaction is the driving force between keeping programmers happy.
In an ideal world, a happy programmer would come to work, sleep or enjoy a beer, then go home only to sleep more or enjoy more beers. However, that’s not how the labor market works. In trying to keep your programmer happy, some of the following tips may help. Happy programmers are not over pushed. Tight deadlines, unrealistic expectations, and excessive revisions are perhaps some of the most annoying challenges that can wreck a happy programmer’s day.
To avoid causing your programmers to be unhappy, try to give realistic and reasonable deadlines and expectations. Also, if the code works and is solid, ask yourself if the changes you just thought up during your last bathroom break are really necessary. Asking yourself this can very easily mean the difference between a happy and unhappy programmer.
All too often this rule is ignored, which can make programmers unhappy and lead to excessive turnover. And regrettably, when programmers decide to leave, they can make some extremely hard to follow uncommented code which will surely make their replacement unhappy right off the bat.
Avoid Unnecessary Distractions
Happy programmers do not really want to chat frivolously in the middle of a routine. Distractions can cause computational errors or extraneous bugs. If at all possible, you can help keep your programmer happy by giving him his own desk somewhere out of the more heavily trafficked areas.
He’ll be happy and less of a nuisance, and you’ll be less inclined to ask your programmer to come over and fix your email – instead you’ll find you direct calls of that nature to the correct IT individual, and everyone will be more happy. The fact that your programmer is more happy because he’s not being distracted will greatly increase his potential for productivity.
Encourage Socialization
A happy programmer is one who isn’t distracted during important moments, and we’ve already mentioned that. But programmers as a whole tend to be somewhat antisocial or reclusive, often having problems “fitting in.” By opening a diatribe and just humanizing your programmer, you’ll help keep him happy and more productive.
Try to ask non-invasive questions on topics your particular programmer enjoys. It won’t take long, as often programmers have a tendency to decorate their desktops or wear t-shirts that express their hobbies. Try to avoid football talk if you know your programmer doesn’t enjoy the sport. Doing this will help keep your programmer happy.
Relax and Let Your Programmer Relax
You can help keep your programmers happy by allowing them the autonomy to proceed at their tasks according to their own individual time management. This doesn’t mean throw out time lines – instead it is a suggestion to facilitate a happy programmer by allowing for lunch breaks, and unscheduled breaks.
Some of the most productive programmers are those who are willfully allowed to go play a game on the internet for a few minutes or an hour every now and then without fear of reprimandation. By loosening the leash, your programmer will surely be happier.
Help Your Programmer Be Happy At Work
Make your work environment more conducive to enjoyment as a whole and your programmer will be happier. If the only one getting “special privileges” is your programmer, you will have a lot of unhappy support staff. And believe it or not, unhappy coworkers can easily share their unhappy attitudes in an almost infectious manner. By helping institute policies that keep everyone happy, you’ll help keep your programmers happy.
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