Numerous papers and studies have been released over the last 10 years revealing how happiness and productivity are undeniably connected. One such paper was released by Oxford University’s Business School in 2019. Working with British multinational telecoms firm BT, they found that happy workers are 13% more productive.
Why are happy employees more productive?
- Happy employees care more
When employees are happy, they feel invested in the organisation’s goals and are more compelled to work — partly because they’re more likely to care about the company in the first place and are driven to help it achieve its goals. Happy employees also pay more attention to the needs of customers, and they are more aware of the company’s processes and systems. - Happy employees are more loyal
Happy employees are not only more likely to want to stay at their employer for longer (causing less staff turnover and money spent on hiring and training new employees) but will also put in more hours of work than those who are unhappy. - Happy employees are more healthy
According to Safe Work Australia, over 7,500 Australians claim compensation for work-related mental disorders each year, which equates to around $480 million in compensation claims. This is because work-related mental disorders (also known as psychological injuries) negatively impact the immune systems of individual employees, which can equate to long periods away from work and more ‘sick days’. If employees are happy, these ailments drastically decrease. - Happy employees are more innovative
Innovation is a vital part of any business and, if an organisation wants to increase it, then having a happy workforce can do that. Happy employees are more likely to take calculated risks, while unhappy employees are more likely to play it safe. Happy employees also create a supportive environment in the workplace that encourages everyone to learn from their mistakes rather than fear them. - Happiness is infectious
Happy employees can be positive role models and encourage other workers to also take pride in their work. Managers who find joy in their jobs also encourage the workers under them to enjoy their work, while their happiness also increases productivity because happy employees support one another.
How can you be happier at work?
A lot of your mood can be influenced by external sources and it can be boosted by practicing gratitude, focusing on positive experiences, exercising, meditating, and random acts of kindness. But there are also things you can do specifically within the workplace to improve your chances of being happier at work.
- Engage with happy people — As we’ve already touched on, happiness is infectious! So, discover those people who are naturally happy and bubbly and feed off their energy.
- Foster meaningful relationships — According to the Harvard Business Review, close work friendships boost employee satisfaction by 50%. Furthermore, people with a best friend at work are seven times more likely to engage fully in their work.
- Focus on your purpose — Having a sense of purpose in your life is essential to wellbeing. Equally important is having a sense of purpose in your role at work. Discover the reason why you enjoy going to work and focus on that.
How to cultivate a happy workforce
A recent survey from Boston Consulting Group found that most people want just one simple thing from their jobs: appreciation for their work. Ultimately, those who feel appreciated are less likely to be looking for another job — because they enjoy their workplace.
As a business, or a leader, there are several things you can do to help cultivate this feeling within a team and across the entire workforce.
- Learn what happiness means to each individual.
- Understand how you can support each employee better.
- Ensure everyone has a balanced and interesting workload.
- Encourage and invest in people’s skills.
- Create opportunities for employees to get involved and progress.
- Show you value them by celebrating their success.
- Always act on negative feedback.
Employee happiness can also stem from sharing an overall vision — with colleagues, managers and the company itself. Investing in the happiness of your team will not only improve morale, focus and productivity, it will help you build a more stable and, ultimately, more successful business.