Are We Happy Yet by Raja

"Are We Happy Yet?"

I picked up last week's issue of the Economist at the airport. I couldn't resist, the cover story was on Happiness (and how to measure it.) Ever since Daniel Kahnemann, a psychologist at Princeton University won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002, we've been looking to put a price tag on happiness. Economists have begun exploring the merits of "experience over commodities, pastimes over knick-knacks, and doing over having," according to the article. That's a breakthrough!

And it suits me just fine. Perhaps when we are able to put a price on the "intangibles" they will be valued more highly. It's high time we put a high value on happiness, especially at work.

People who are happy at work perform better and so do the people that work with them. Gallup reports that 9 out of 10 people say they are more productive when they are around positive people.

We took a poll recently of our customers and readers where we asked two questions about "happiness."**

"To what extent does 'how good you feel at work' impact your performance on the job?" 91% of the respondents scored it a 4 or 5 on a 5 point scale (with the majority - 62% - in the top box.)

To the question "To what extent does 'how good you feel at work' impact your productivity?" again 91% scored it a 4 or a 5 (with 65% in the top box.) Clearly how you FEEL has something to do with how you perform and how much you produce. Of course, it makes sense, but has the workplace ever honored how we felt?

While it stands to reason that employers would want to create an environment where people feel good about themselves and have some degree of happiness at work, I'm sad to say it's been largely ignored in a company's strategic plans. And that's rapidly becoming a problem as more and more people (according to the trend watchers) are looking to leave their jobs this year. When people are unhappy at work they move on. What can you, as a manager, team leader or supervisor do about it?

Here's a short list - 5 things you can do to create a happier workplace

Clarity - Be clear about what your and your employees' expectations are, and check in when they change.

Connection - Let everyone know the special part they play in the success of the company and the customers' lives.

Positivity - Focus on the positive (people's strengths and what's right) rather than the negative (their weaknesses and what's wrong.) Be positive yourself.

Recognition and Reward - Pay attention to the "what's right" and reward the behaviors, tangibly and intangibly.

Appreciation - It's the deepest of human needs. Make sure you let people know how you appreciate their showing up and doing a good job. Let the customer's know too!

So as you set your Intentions for the New Year, remember these simple things that will add to the overall happiness in your company or department.

Can we measure happiness? Of course we can. When customers are happy with your products and your services they come back and tell friends. When employees are happy they show up for work more often, participate more fully and solve problems quickly and creatively. They stay healthier and cost the company less in health care. They spread positive vibes out to the customer and the positive word of mouth about your company abounds! And you see a measurable difference in your profitability.

Peace and Prosperity to you,

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