In my first two articles I talked about why we should care about workplace happiness and busted some myths about what workplace happiness is all about. In this edition I’m going to a look at what a happy workplace should look like.
So, what does a happy workplace look like to you? Is there a slide, or a freezer full of free ice cream? Does everyone spend the day kicking back and drinking barista coffee?
Let me tell you, for me a happy workplace looks very different to that. The people are busy – they all have important jobs to do. They work hard but they feel valued for their input. Their boss and colleagues regularly take the time to recognise their work and thank them for their contribution.
People are able to find purpose and meaning in what they do. This might be in their core role or because they have found something they feel passionate about (and can influence) and have been given permission to embrace this. It might be that they are co-ordinating a recycling initiative or forming a support group for employees with caring responsibilities. Purpose and meaning at work doesn’t have to come from your key function.
In my happy workplace leaders are committed to helping people understand the power of mindset and encourage people to learn to cultivate a more positive mindset. People are encouraged to not fear failing but to embrace it and learn from it instead.
At the core of the business is an understanding that happy employees will make the business thrive. There is also an understanding that creating a culture of happinesses doesn’t mean people won’t struggle, that they won’t have bad days and for some there will be far more deep-rooted challenges. These people will be supported and will have access to the help they need.
People are encouraged to be their whole self at work. Social connections are valued and people have meaningful relationships with their colleagues. Around the office you’ll hear conversations that aren’t always task-driven. People check in with each other and support each other through the good times and the bad.
The business values the happiness of its employees and sees investing in their happiness as investing in the businesses. Everyone knows and understands the benefits of workplace happiness.
Does this sound like your workplace? Does it sound too utopian? Until I started The Happy Business School I’d spent all of my working life in the corporate world so I’m only too aware of the challenges of running a business and the pressures of work. I’m also acutely aware of what happens when you don’t invest in workplace happiness. I might have laid it on thick in my description of a happy workplace but I don’t think anything here is outside the reach of every single business. It all starts with small change, a slight shift in focus can have seismic ripples.
Have I intrigued you? Do you want to know more? Why not send this article to your boss or your HR/L&D person? Start a conversation about happiness at work. And if you or they would like to chat just drop me a line.