While it may still seem like fluff to some, increasing mounds of research attest to the power of happiness in the workplace. More and more, companies are catching on and realizing the many benefits both to them and their employees. Clearly, we are seeing that what is good for the individual is also good for the company.
There’s a clear link between happiness at work and productivity:
- Happy people work better with others. They are more fun to be around and because of this have better relations at work.
- Happy people are more creative and productive. If people are in a good mood they’re more likely to have creative ideas and get more done.
- Happy people tend to fix problems rather than complain about them. People who are unhappy at work see molehills as mountains.
- Happy people have more energy. They are therefore more efficient at everything they do.
- Happy people are more optimistic. Research shows that this optimism leads to more success and productivity.
- Happy people are more motivated. The only sustainable, reliable way to be motivated at work is to be happy and like what you do. Extrinsic motivators, such as money and command and control tactics by bosses fail. Big time.
- Happy people get sick less often.
- Happy people learn faster. When you’re happy and relaxed, you’re way more open to learning, thereby increasing your productivity at work.
- Happy people worry less about making mistakes and therefore make fewer of them. When you’re happy at work and make a mistake it doesn’t bother you much. You learn from it, pick yourself up, and move on.
- Happy people make better decisions. Unhappy people operate in a sort of crisis mode where their survival instincts kick in which narrows their focus. As such they tend to make knee jerk decisions that can completely miss the big picture.
So what if you aren’t happy at work?
The first tactic is to try to improve your situation at work. There are often numerous things you can do. You need to decide to do something rather than wait for someone or something to rescue you. Personal action is always required here. Whether it be beefing up your coping strategies, seek a transfer, or shift your attitude, you have to start somewhere.
However, if your current job is not fixable, don’t wait. The nasty consequences for you are simply too great. Move on.
