Yesterday I made the case that employers should care whether their employees are happy: happier people outscore their less-happy peers on performance and productivity. So how can employers help make their employees happier?
- Control. Research shows that people’s happiness is affected by their sense of control over their lives. Being able to do your own work in your own way, or to influence your environment, gives a big boost in satisfaction.
- Commuting. Bad commutes are a major source of unhappiness. People feel frustrated, powerless, and stressed.
- Wasted time. According to a recent study, one factor that most upset people’s daily moods was having tight work deadlines.
- Social connection. Studies underscore the critical importance of social relationships to happiness. Also, interacting with others gives people a boost in mood – surprisingly, this is true even for introverts.
- Health and energy. Corporations pay a heavy cost for stress-related illnesses, such as hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, and substance abuse.
- An atmosphere of growth. People have a strong desire for growth, progress, and advancement in their lives.
- Surprise! Even a small treat can boost people’s happiness – and people get a bigger kick from an unexpected pleasure.
These suggestions don’t just hold for employers. We should all be trying to bring these elements into our own lives. Find a way to bring “an atmosphere of growth� into your day, get more sleep and exercise, make plans with friends, surprise your family with some little treat.
Photo by MSDesigns.
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