How to Keep Employees Happy: The Science of Happiness
More than ever, employees are placing an increasing emphasis on their happiness and well-being, valuing it as much as, if not more than, financial gain. Recognizing this shift in priorities, employers aiming to drive innovation, engagement, and sustainable success must fully comprehend how employees define happiness at work, particularly the Millennial and Gen Z workforce.
Understanding the science of happiness and implementing strategies to create a happy work culture is crucial for businesses seeking to attract, retain, and tap into the full potential of their most talented people. This article explores the science of happiness, uncovering its profound influence on workplace dynamics, and actionable strategies to achieve a happy and thriving workforce.
What is Happiness Scientifically?
Happiness goes beyond a fleeting emotional state or a subjective feeling of joy. Researchers have sought to define and understand happiness through empirical studies, drawing insights from the interplay of psychological, philosophical, and biological factors. Broadly defined, happiness is a multifaceted construct encompassing positive emotions, life satisfaction, and a sense of well-being
Within the field of psychology, one prominent theory that attempts to explain happiness is the hedonic theory. This theory suggests that happiness is primarily derived from the pursuit and attainment of pleasure while minimizing pain or discomfort. It emphasizes the role of immediate gratification, such as fulfilling desires and experiencing positive emotions.
Another significant perspective on happiness is the eudaimonic approach, rooted in ancient philosophical traditions. This view says true happiness is derived from leading a purposeful and meaningful life, where you strive for personal growth, self-actualization, and the realization of your full potential. It centers on living out your intrinsic values and establishing deep connections with others.
A Quick Note on Positive Psychology
Positive psychology is a scientific field dedicated to studying happiness and well-being. It examines positive emotions, character strengths, resilience, and the conditions that lead to a state of flourishing. Through research, interventions, and practical applications, positive psychology offers insights and strategies to help individuals and communities thrive and lead more fulfilling lives.
Factors Influencing Employee Happiness
The science of happiness reinforces that authentic happiness at work is not solely determined by external circumstances, such as salary or job title (even when money is tight!). It’s also influenced by internal factors and intentional activities.
Social Connections
Employees can become so absorbed in their work or a toxic culture that they fail to build relationships with colleagues they often spend more time with than their own friends. As inherently social beings, this negatively affects job satisfaction and overall well-being. It also perpetuates a leading cause of mood disorders and disease — loneliness.
Organizations can help develop social connections with team-building activities that give employees the opportunity to interact and connect on a personal level. For example, volunteering for a mutual cause, group hikes, lunches or happy hours, or weekly fitness or stress management classes. Interacting with colleagues outside of everyday work norms creates camaraderie and promotes a culture of open communication.
Not only are employees who feel connected to their peers more likely to be engaged, motivated, and collaborative in their work; their happiness is enhanced as they experience belonging and support from their workplace community. Mentorship programs can also spark strong support systems among colleagues.
Effective leadership is crucial in nurturing social connections at work. Leaders and managers who actively engage with employees, show genuine interest in their lives, and care for their well-being build trust and psychological safety within their teams. This helps employees feel confident expressing themselves, sharing ideas, and strengthening their own social bonds.
Learn more about The Power of Social Connections in the Workplace.
Engagement
When employees engage in activities that require deep concentration or emotional investment, they can experience a state of “flow” or being “in the zone.” It creates a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and connection to their roles, teams, and organizational goals. Engaged employees are happier and more motivated to do the best they can.
Organizations wanting to increase engagement levels can promote a culture of feedback and transparent communication, encourage autonomy and decision-making, and implement recognition or reward programs. Since fully engaging in a task is a happiness enhancer, employers win by consistently inspiring employees to tap into their drive and passion for their work. Think: good leaders get their teams through hard times — great leaders make the hard times feel exciting.
Meaning & Purpose
To avoid prevalent post-pandemic pitfalls like presenteeism and absenteeism, help employees perceive their work as meaningful and connected to a larger purpose. Leadership should develop a clear understanding of the role within the bigger-picture goals and values of the organization. When employees can see the impact of their work and understand how it aligns with their personal values and aspirations, they are more likely to feel satisfied at work.
Encourage employees to find personal meaning in their work by creating opportunities that leverage their unique strengths and talents. When individuals bring their authentic selves to work, leveraging their skills and passions, it enhances their sense of purpose and overall happiness.
Personal Growth
As creatures who crave continuous learning and development, human happiness is influenced by the opportunities we have to expand our skills, knowledge, and capabilities. Providing access to training programs, workshops, mentorship opportunities, and regular feedback demonstrates an organization’s commitment to investing in employees’ personal and professional growth.
Employers can also challenge employees with assignments or projects designed to push them professionally and develop new competencies. This not only identifies areas for improvement — it provides employees with a sense of accomplishment, progress, and the confidence to take on new responsibilities.
It’s important to have opportunities for growth and clear career paths to fuel development and drive organizational innovation. As employees are encouraged to share ideas, experiment with new approaches, and learn from failures, they cultivate a growth mindset and a sense of curiosity that nurtures their happiness at work.
Positive Emotions
Intentionally creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and appreciated significantly contributes to their happiness. Regularly feeling positive emotions such as joy, gratitude, and enthusiasm boost mood, engagement, and satisfaction with work. Positive emotions thrive in a climate that prioritizes gratitude, celebrates individual and team accomplishments, and appreciates a job well-done.
Positivity is contagious — leaders can influence the emotions of their team by exhibiting optimism, enthusiasm, and empathy. Flexible work policies are a good example of understanding what matters the most to your team, and implementing accordingly.
Resilience & Coping
The ability to maintain emotional balance and cope with adversity is essential in sustaining happiness and well-being over time. Provide employees with the tools and support to navigate difficulties and build their capacity to cope with various work demands.
For example:
- Stress management education
- Yoga classes
- Mindfulness meditation or breathwork sessions
Employees should feel comfortable approaching leadership to voice concerns, seek help, or access resources. Leaders, in turn, should be prepared to offer guidance, encouragement, and even emotional support. Supportive leadership, effective communication, and wellness opportunities build a resilient workforce that can navigate challenges and persevere.
Measuring Employee Happiness
Regularly surveying employees or utilizing other feedback mechanisms such as suggestion boxes or focus groups provides valuable insights into how employees rate their job satisfaction, career development, and overall happiness at work. It’s crucial employees have opportunities to voice their opinions, concerns, or suggestions, whether anonymous or confidential, to identify areas of improvement.
Data-driven metrics are also instrumental in tracking employee happiness over time. Relevant data such as retention rates, absenteeism levels, and productivity metrics help organizations identify trends, patterns, and correlations. Monitoring improvement strategies allows you to adapt your approach to better meet the evolving needs and preferences of your team.
Strive Wellness Solutions Support Employee Happiness & Well-Being
Strive’s wellness offerings help companies achieve their goals for culture-building, team-building, stress management, and healthy habit-building. We make wellness easy with a wraparound service delivery model perfect for busy teams that want their people to be happier, but don’t have the bandwidth for day-to-day admin. Book a discovery call to explore how creating wellness opportunities at work leads to happier employees.
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