DO BUSINESS LEADERS HOLD THE KEYS TO YOUR HAPPINESS?

The workplace is one of the top three sources of stress for people worldwide, regardless of generation or geography. And, according to one survey, for 75% of workers, their boss is the most stressful part of their jobs.

This research confirms what employees understand instinctively: Business leaders have a huge impact on the levels of stress, happiness and satisfaction employees experience, not only in the workplace but in their day-to-day lives.

Although I can’t recall the specific reason, I’ll never forget one boss who became so frustrated with me, he kicked me off the travel list for a retreat in Hawaii scheduled to leave the next day. I’ll also never forget the boss who wrote me a warm, supportive note about my work that I still value and keep in my files even today, 20 years later. Interestingly enough, both experiences were with the same boss!

Nearly everyone has a similar “boss story” about a manager who either made their jobs depressing and unsatisfying or meaningful and inspiring.

These stories testify to the huge impact leaders have in shaping the workplace environment through personal acts, both intentional and accidental. Temperamental, frustrated, petty, self-centered, high-pressure, arrogant or sloppy bosses create difficult workplaces and dissatisfied employees. The result: higher levels of absenteeism and turnover and lower levels of productivity and innovation.

According to a recent paper by McKinsey, business leaders can improve workforce happiness among people who report to them by following a few key practices. Bosses that focus on building connections with employees by showing genuine empathy; expressing gratitude to make people feel valued; providing positive feedback; and effectively managing their own well-being create a happier workplace, higher employee satisfaction and better organizational performance.

Leaders can also have an important impact on how the workplace is designed and the way priorities are set — two factors that can play a strong role in promoting an emotionally healthy work environment. Bosses that offer supportive supervision; give workers a variety of tasks and a reasonable workload; and let employees enjoy a decent level of control over their environment can create great workplaces and happy, fulfilled employees.

Recent research shows that companies with happier employees outperform their peers. Last year, Fortune magazine released the Thrive XM Index — a ranking of companies with the best employee well-being. Top companies enjoyed higher earnings and stronger ROE.

The need for a healthy boss-employee dynamic takes on additional urgency as we emerge from the collective trauma of COVID-19. As organizations struggle to recruit and retain employees, those that recognize the crucial role bosses play in the happiness of their people both on and off the job are better positioned to keep their workforces intact.

People thrive when we have a sense of purpose and control in our lives. We’re more engaged, more creative, more fulfilled, more productive and less stressed and anxious. Leaders that create an environment where people feel supported and happy — physically, emotionally and mentally — will enjoy the benefits of more satisfied employees and stronger organizational results.