In today’s fast-paced work environment, health and well-being can take a backseat to achieving career goals. Enter Happy Office, an organization that aims to bring joy to the workplace. “Happy employees are healthier, more engaged, work better together and are more productive,” they say. More and more workers agree and “International Happiness at Work Week” is gaining momentum. The initiative started in the Netherlands in 2018 and has expanded to include 350 companies in 50 countries by 2024. The IWHW takes place in the last week of September, encouraging everyone to take stock of their well-being at work and making happiness a priority.
What is International Happiness at Work Week?
International Happiness at Work Week is an opportunity to focus on job satisfaction, whether you work for a small business, a family business or a large conglomerate. With so much of our lives spent at work, it’s worth cultivating a positive work environment for yourself and those around you, even if you’re working from home.
Happy workers, happy business
Many cultures are driven by the philosophy of “all work and no play.” Long work hours, demanding tasks, and tight deadlines can lead to low employee morale and even burnout.
BBelgium and Portugal have led the charge against invasive labor practices by banning employers from contacting their workers outside of office hours – except in true emergencies. The “right to disconnect” is also recognized in Ireland, France, Italy and Spain. The personal lives of employees outside of work are compartmentalized.
These European employers recognize that investing in happiness at work gives you a positive return on investment in the form of:
- Increased productivity
- Loyalty to the organization. Your employees will go the extra mile to help the company achieve its goals.
- Positive effects on mental health leading to better attendance
- Engaged staff willing to dedicate time and energy to work projects
- High employee retention.
Clearly, hhappy employees are great for business.
Start your journey to a happier workplace now
Happiness at work is not just the responsibility of employers. Everyone can contribute to a positive company culture. There are things you can commit to doing daily, weekly and monthly to help improve your well-being at work.
If you’re not sure how happy you are, follow Alison’s. Assessment of well-being at work. This free psychometric test is designed to help you understand and improve your cognitive, emotional and physical well-being and stressors at work..
Small changes, big impact
Add to your continuing professional development with a course like Supervisory Skills – Managing Employee Performance. It is full of advice to encourage and motivate your teams. You can also:
- Celebrate events, milestones, achievements and opportunities. Employees need to know that they are simply not beasts of burden, but that they are seen and valued as individuals.
- Provide feedback. When you give constructive feedback to your employees, they know what areas to focus on and improve. Your team feels recognized and appreciated and, ultimately, happier.
- Organize social gatherings. This will help strengthen relationships and feelings of connection. Why not consider allowing staff to work early on Fridays, typically the least productive time of the week?
- Host webinars. Prioritize mental and physical well-being by inviting guest speakers to give talks or workshops.
- Ask staff what they need be happier at work. An anonymous survey is an option. Be open to receiving feedback on changes to the workplace culture.
5 Steps to Employee Happiness
When you are happy at work, you are on your way to having a a healthy work-life balance. There are some simple steps you can take to improve your situation.
- Help someone. There is a proverb that says: “It is better to give than to receive.” Research backs this up and shows that when you help others, it can improve your self-confidence and increase your happiness levels.
- Set goals. Focus and prioritize your goals and tasks. This will help reduce your stress levels, which can contribute to feeling unhappy.
- Socialize. Have lunch with friends, family or work colleagues, far from your desk.
- Take breaks. Long working hours can take a toll, both mentally and physically. It is important to take regular breaks during the workday. Also take your annual vacation to rest, recharge and rejuvenate. A rested mind, body and soul lead to happiness.
- Invest in yourself. Study more if you want to get ahead at work. Exercise. Practice mindfulness and maintain a healthy and nutritious diet.
Happiness is not a destination, but a journey. Be intentional about cultivating a happy life – at home and at work. If, after some thought, you decide you need to change direction to thrive, Alison’s complete guide Career Guide provides information on thousands of career paths, including average salaries and course recommendations. If you need help with your CV, the free service Resume builder has everything you need.
As the late Steve Jobs once said: “Your work is going to take up a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you consider to be great work. And the only way to do good work is to love what you do.” Perhaps this is where we can find the seeds of happiness.
Alison’s Free Resources
- Make your career dreams come true with a Personality test at work. Explore your character; discover your professional strengths and weaknesses and find your ideal career. Improve your skills with personalized course recommendations.
- Aptitude test – Evaluate your verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning skills. Course recommendations will help you improve your areas of weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is International Happiness at Work Week?
- International Happiness at Work Week is an initiative focused on job satisfaction and creating a positive work environment. It encourages employers and employees to prioritize happiness and well-being at work.
- Why is happiness at work important?
- Happy employees are healthier, more engaged, work better together and are more productive. Happiness at work leads to increased productivity, increased loyalty, better mental health, higher engagement and better employee retention.
- What are the benefits of investing in happiness at work?
- The benefits include increased productivity, loyalty, better mental health, higher engagement and better employee retention.
- What steps have some countries taken to improve happiness at work?
- Countries like Belgium and Portugal have banned employers from contacting workers outside of office hours except in emergencies. Similar “right to disconnect” policies are in place in Ireland, France, Italy and Spain.
- What is happiness at work?
- Happiness at work is linked to well-being. Having a purpose, autonomy, connection with others and being appreciated contribute to happiness at work.
- How can Alison help me be happier at work?
- Alison is free Assessment of well-being at work is designed to help individuals understand and improve their cognitive, emotional and physical well-being and workplace stressors. By gaining information about the obstacles to your happiness at work, you can more easily identify solutions.
- What resources does Alison offer for professional and personal development?