We all want to be happy. Not just at home, but at work too. We spend hours at work so it’s only right that you experience happiness as much as possible. Happiness and creating happy work environments make for happier employees. This spills out into other areas of your life and as the saying goes, “happy employee; happy life”. Or something like that. The last week of September celebrates ‘International Week of Happiness at Work’. We’re going to show you why it’s vital and how you can work towards achieving happiness at work.

What is International Week of Happiness at Work?

International Week of Happiness at Work is a week dedicated to making efforts to make the workplace a happy place. This week is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of being happy at work and how it affects each one of us. Happy employees play a big role in how well a company performs and its output. This is true regardless of whether you work for a boutique company, family business, or large conglomerate. With so much time spent at work, it’s essential to cultivate a happy office environment for yourself and those around you.

Why You Should Celebrate International Week of Happiness at Work

We live in a culture that drives the “all work and no play” philosophy. We work. Get a side hustle. Pull long hours. And work overtime. It’s admirable and in exchange, we can live comfortable lives. This constant state pushes us mentally and physically – often to our own detriment and unhappiness. 

Benefits of a Happy Workforce

It’s impossible for everyone to be happy all the time. Life and work have its challenges that can get you down at times. But it can be the exception. Happy employees make better employees. Here’s how investing in workplace happiness will give you a positive ROI:

  • Increased productivity
  • Optimistic thoughts and feelings about the organisation. Your employees will go the extra mile to help the company achieve its goals.
  • Positive effects on mental health which results in less nonattendance
  • Engaged staff. This means they’re invested in projects and tasks at work and willing to give time and energy to them – over and above mandatory
  • A happy workforce will also result in a low staff turnover.

The commitment to happiness at work has been gaining prominence in recent years. Employers have come to realise its value and consequently, make efforts to foster a happy work environment. Happy employees are great for business.

5 Ways to Celebrate International Week of Happiness at Work

Happiness at work is not solely the task of an organisation. It’s a shared responsibility that everyone can contribute to. There are things you can commit to doing daily, weekly, and monthly to help you get to your happy place. We’ve put together a list of things you can do to kickstart happiness:

What A Company Can Do to Nourish Happiness at Work

  • Have work events. Employees need to know that they just aren’t work-horses but are seen and valued as individuals too. Organise events to celebrate occasions, birthdays, holidays, engagements, graduations, and so on. This helps foster team morale and workplace engagement, which both contribute to workplace happiness.
  • Provide feedback. When you give your employees constructive feedback, they know what areas to focus on and improve. The feedback and suggestions also make your team feel acknowledged and appreciated and ultimately, a happier workforce.
  • Host after-work drinks or games. This will help strengthen relationships which will in turn allow people to loosen up. If your staff work remotely, let your team knock off 30 minutes early on Friday (provided all work has been completed).
  • Host a webinar. Invite a guest speaker to give an inspirational talk about how to adopt mental and physical wellbeing.
  • Send out a survey. Whether email, a box employee can slip in ideas anonymously or another method. And be open to receiving feedback from staff about ways the organisation can instil practices to ensure a happy workplace culture.

What You Can Do to be Happy

When you’re happy at work, you’re well on your way to having a healthy work-life balance.

  • Help someone. There’s a proverb that says, “It’s better to give than receive.” Research supports this and shows that when you help others, it can help your self-confidence and boost your level of happiness.
  • Set goals. Focus and prioritise your goals and tasks. This will help reduce your stress levels, which can add to feeling unhappy.
  • Socialise. Have lunch with your workmates away from your desk.
  • Take breaks. Long work hours can take their toll on you, both mentally and physically. It’s important to take regular breaks during the workday. Also take your annual vacation to rest, recharge, and feel rejuvenated. A rested mind, body, and soul lead to happiness.
  • Invest in yourself. Study further if you want to advance at work. Exercise. Practice mindfulness and maintain a healthy and nutritious diet.

Happiness is an inside job that cannot be placed in the hands of someone else. Happiness is also not a destination, but a journey. Be intentional about cultivating a happy life – at home and at work. As the late Steve Jobs once said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” That just may be where we can find the seeds of happiness.

Make a comment

Your email address will not be published.