Happiness @ work

Firstly, it is useful to understand what happiness really means in the context of the workplace. Is it the feeling we experience when a project is successfully completed and we are recognised by our manager? Or is it something bigger, subjective factors that drive motivation, productivity and engagement?

According to Dr. Christine Carter, a senior member at the University of California’s Greater Good Science Center, people often confuse happiness at work (and in life) with slight moments of gratification. She explains that happiness really involves the ability to access “a wide range of positive emotions,” including hope, optimism, confidence, gratitude, inspiration and admiration.

Nic Marks, an expert on the subject and CEO of Happiness Works, says that happiness at work comes down to three positive emotions:

1. “Enthusiasm — A state of high energy that helps people create and seize opportunities. It can also act to mobilize their own and others’ efforts”;

2. Interest — This is a “focused energy” that helps us to commit to tasks that may be challenging in the short term, but that bring medium or long term benefits;

3. Contentment — This is the “joy” of having achieved something, which can make us feel more motivated to perform the actions that will repeat the success in the future”.

According to a study by Robert Half, successful companies have happier and more engaged, loyal and creative employees compared to those with less satisfied employees.

Happiness also plays a significant role in productivity and the quality of work. Almost two thirds of happy employees report that they consistently exceed expectations at work, according to a study by Horizons Workforce Consulting And research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology shows that employees with high levels of job satisfaction are more likely to help others and are more cooperative. It is also important to emphasize that happiness is also good for health — when there is less chronic fatigue and frustration, there is a reduction in illness and absenteeism.

Still, many companies see happiness at work as something intangible, which would be “good to have” rather than an “important organizational priority”. Although it is not possible to force employees to be happy — or control all the factors that contribute to happiness — it is still possible to create conditions that will help promote happiness and positivity at work.

THE 6 SECRETS OF HAPPIER COMPANIES AND HAPPIER WORKERS

Find out in this infogram what Happiness conditions are in the workplace for workers around the world, according to Robertthalf, in “The time has come to be Happy”.