😊 Is your workplace truly happy? 💰 Employee wellbeing is a huge economic issue and from the boardroom to the breakroom the true value of workplace happiness is explored by Lord Mark Price.
Read for measuring and improving workplace happiness, six steps to support your staff in wellbeing, job satisfaction and productivity
As we celebrated World Happiness Day on March 20, it’s essential to reflect on the significance of happiness in our daily lives, particularly within the workplace. Workplace happiness is not merely a feel-good factor, it is a critical driver of productivity, employee retention, and overall business success.
Happy employees are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their organisation’s goals
Drawing from my experience of over 40 years in business and former Managing Director of Waitrose, this article will shed light on how we can measure and enhance happiness at work.
The importance of workplace happiness
Employee happiness is intrinsically linked to a company’s performance. Happy employees are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their organisation’s goals. They exhibit higher levels of creativity, better problem-solving skills, and are more likely to collaborate effectively with colleagues. Equally, unhappy employees can lead to increased absenteeism, higher staff turnover, and reduced productivity, all of which can significantly impact a company’s bottom line.
Countries that prioritise employee wellbeing often experience higher productivity and economic growth. This concept suggests that the collective happiness of the workforce contributes to national prosperity. By creating environments where employees feel valued and engaged, we not only improve individual lives but also drive broader economic success.
Six steps to workplace happiness
These key areas employers need to focus on in order to create a happier employee and workplace;
1) Reward and recognition
Every member of an organisation should benefit from its success. A fair salary is essential—no amount of praise can compensate for underpayment. Your compensation structure should meet expectations and motivate employees to go above and beyond.
2) Information sharing
Withholding information can make employees feel undervalued and disconnected from the business. For a team to perform at its best, transparency is essential. Employees at all levels should have a clear understanding of the business, its strategy, performance, customers, and competitors.
3) Empowerment
Empowering employees means involving them in decision-making, valuing their ideas, and integrating their feedback into the company’s strategies. Everyone brings unique experiences and perspectives to the table, and only by considering all views can a team achieve the best possible outcome. While individuals may not be perfect, together, the team can be.
4) Wellbeing
Employee wellbeing encompasses physical, emotional, and financial health. Addressing all three areas leads to improved engagement and productivity. A positive workplace culture can reduce absenteeism, as engaged employees tend to be healthier and more committed.
5) Instilling pride
Employees who take pride in their work and workplace naturally become advocates, sharing their positive experiences with colleagues, potential hires, customers, and the community. Their pride will be evident when they talk about where they work. Building this sense of pride goes beyond motivational talks or performance reviews—it’s about cultivating an environment where employees truly enjoy and take pride in their roles.
6) Job satisfaction
A range of factors influence job satisfaction, but two stand out; opportunities for personal growth and the quality of the employee-manager relationship. Employees are an organisation’s greatest asset, and high engagement is essential for success. Research shows that respectful treatment and trust between employees and leadership are key drivers of satisfaction. Poor relationships with managers are often the top reason employees leave, regardless of the company’s brand strength.
Building on the foundation
In addition to the above, Doreen Ann Donovan shares her strategies to enhance workplace happiness, saying that “Once an organisation has measured workplace happiness, the next step is implementing strategies to enhance it.” Here are some of her approaches for an effective workplace:
- Developing effective leadership:
Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping workplace culture. Investing in leadership development ensures that managers possess the skills to inspire, support, and engage their teams. - Promoting work-life balance:
Encouraging flexible working arrangements and respecting personal time helps employees maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, reducing burnout and increasing satisfaction. - Providing growth opportunities:
Offering training and development programmes enables employees to advance their careers, keeping them motivated and engaged. - Creating a positive work environment:
Creating a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration ensures that employees feel safe and valued. - Recognising and rewarding contributions:
Regularly acknowledging employees’ efforts and achievements reinforces their value to the organisation and motivates continued high performance.
Not just a day
World Happiness Day should inspire us to recognise that workplace happiness is a vital component of both personal fulfilment and business success. By measuring and actively improving the factors that contribute to employee happiness, organisations can create environments where individuals thrive, leading to sustained business success and a more prosperous society.
Lord Mark Price is the founder of WorkL and WorkL for Business, and author of Happy Economics: Why The Happiest Workplaces Are The Most Successful
Doreen Ann Donovan is Head of Customer Success at WorkL
