HAPPINESS IN THE WORKFORCE

• Categories: Human Resources
• Tags: 10 Steps to Happiness at Work:, Fake it till you make it, Happiness at Work, positive attitude

“IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT/THEN YOUR FACE WILL SURELY SHOW IT”

Does your face radiate happiness when you are working? Well do you at least look satisfied?? Perception is everything. How do your coworkers and superiors perceive your contentment? Are you happy and does your face show it?

Popular wisdom would have us believe that if we are successful at work, then we will be happy, but consider the possibility that the opposite might be true. Quite likely, happier workers are more successful according to Shawn Anchor author of The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work.

Employers recognize that a positive, engaged workforce provides a considerable competitive edge. Optimism helps a person and a work team overcome challenges, therefore, positive, upbeat –HAPPY people are highly desired in the work world. It is a quality that does not appear as part of a skill set because it is hard to ascertain and measure, yet it is of great importance.

By developing a positive attitude in which others see you as “happy,” you can consciously help yourself thrive in the work world. Manage your energy by sleeping well, exercising and eating a balanced diet. In short, practice healthy living. Engage with vitality in a way that helps others. Be open to learn new things and find meaning in work.

Srikumar Rao (Happiness at Work www.forbes.com) has simplified a process for achieving happiness on the job. His suggestions are valid for life in general as well as in a career. Rao recommends the following: 10 Steps to Happiness at Work:

1. Avoid good and bad labels.
2. Practice “extreme resilience.” Recover fast from adversity. Avoid blaming yourself or others.
3. Let go of grudges.
4. Don’t waste time being jealous. The universe doesn’t limit success.
5. Find passion in yourself, not the job. There is no perfect position.
6. Picture yourself 10 years ago and 10 years from now – in the future and problems gain perspective.
7. Banish the if/then model of happiness. You don’t have to get something (if I make a 6 figure salary, then I will be happy) to be happy.
8. Invest in the process not the outcome. Outcomes can be beyond your control.
9. Consider others. Create an other people centered universe.
10. Swap multi-tasking for mindfulness. You will be more productive.

ROLE OF LEADERS IN CREATING A WORKPLACE IN WHICH WORKERS THRIVE

Managers can provide employees with opportunities for decision making. When appropriate they should share information about the organization, its goals and strategies. Work place leaders/managers/supervisors can assist workers in cultivating happiness by setting and reinforcing norms that encourage civility. Performance feedback (especially when things are going well) allows people to thrive at work and be happy and content.

Is it easy? No, it requires an ongoing effort by workers and management to create a productive, competitive, contented organization.

Happiness is a product of the individual workers ability to thrive on the job hopefully supported by enlightened management.

Suggestion – be happy or at least look like it when on the job. Fake it till you make it if you must.

“CLAP ALONG IF YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPINESS IS TO YOU… CLAP ALONG IF YOU FEEL LIKE HAPPINESS IS THE TRUTH.”

Pharrell Williams