Happiness at Work
Background
With organisations trying hard to get the most out of their employee's performance on the one hand, and with the growing predominance of workplace stress burnout and other work-related difficulties on the other, certainly, positive psychology, in many different ways, can help increase happiness and fulfilment at work. Given that we spend on average half of our waking hours at work, it is imperative to utilise psychological techniques and the know-how in the workplace.
Numerous studies have shown that employees who are happier are more productive, creative, and innovative generate new ideas and try to do the same job in different ways to save time and improve effectiveness. Also, employees who are happier set higher goals and persist longer toward them. They experience less stress and fatigue and show better team cooperation and problem-solving.
Happiness at work (HAW) implies positive emotions, experiences, positive attitudes (e.g. job satisfaction, affective organisational commitment, personal development) and feeling of purpose and significance of the work that contributes to something worthy).
The Benefits of Happiness at Work
Studies have shown that implementing positive psychology in the workplace helps improve:
- Performance
- Motivation
- Engagement
- Conflict Resolution Skills
- Original Thinking
In our HAW project, we aim to share concrete, research-based strategies that can be implemented - individually or in teams - to boost employee's emotional well-being and create a workplace culture of happiness.
Positive emotions like gratitude help employees build resilience to stress, particularly through the practice of mindfulness.
HAW teach employees and managers the importance of positive, trusting, collaborative relationships at work, drawing on the skills of empathy and emotional intelligence.
This program has special tips for workplace leaders, helping them understand how to build a positive organisational culture through socially intelligent leadership.
Implications for Public Policy
Happiness at work training includes:
- Building positive emotions
- Developing strengths
- Developing resilience
- Creating meaningfulness and purpose,
- Developing positive relationships
References:
- Happier people are more engaged and productive and do higher quality work. (Source: Lyubomirsky, S., King, L. A., & Diener, E. (2005). Psychological Bulletin)
- People who are happier at work get promoted more quickly and are less likely to lose their jobs. (Source: Boehm, J. K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). Journal of Career Assessment)
- The skills that are key to happiness are also the “21st Century Skills” that employers are looking for today, including strong collaboration and interpersonal skills. (Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers; Boehm & Lyubomirsky, 2008)
- Leaders high in social and emotional intelligence are more likely to have satisfied employees and to retain their positions of authority. (Source: Keltner, D. (2016) The Power Paradox. New York: Penguin Press.)
