The week of 23 September was work happiness week. Most people spend much of their time at work in their lives, so handy if you're a bit happy there right?
Workplace happiness is a term that has received a lot of attention in recent years. But what is it really? Being happy with your work? Companies are at least trying to make their employees 'happier'. Most do so with the idea that this increases productivity and employees are less likely to look for another job. But is work happiness the key to success, or is it hype without much depth?
When are you happy at work? Research shows that it involves factors such as, recognition, autonomy, meaning, good work-life balance. Companies respond to this by offering flexible working hours, a nice office, room for development and so on. But does this really help? Don't we take it too seriously and is work just now....work?
Back to the research for a moment, as it turns out that a happy employee performs better, is more loyal, and is more creative. The flip side, however, is that this is not always the reality. Of course, there are plenty of jobs that don't offer a whole lot of room for meaning. And aren't you also just a bit happier some days (or moments) than others? Of course, being happy all the time is not realistic. Besides, what one person experiences as happiness is totally not so for another. Small example: In my work as a consultant, I regularly receive an excel file with data for e.g. a remuneration analysis. I always have to struggle through this a bit. You couldn't make my colleague happier. When he receives such an excel file, his eyes simply glaze over (incomprehensible to me).
Work happiness or being happy at work is important, but certainly not the only thing. Ultimately, the most important thing is that work offers satisfaction in any way, without the pressure to be happy every moment of the day.
So how do you ensure this as a company? This can be done, for example, by creating a healthy work culture with room for growth, trust, recognition and fun.
We are very curious to know what you think about it. Share your opinions and tips in the Baarda community!
Arlène Speelman
Consultant at Bureau Baarda