"Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same." — Francesca Reigler
Most people believe that happiness arises from suitable
conditions, and that to be happy requires one to find, for example: a good job,
a nice house, a new car, etc. However, it is actually more effective to rely on
intrinsic ways of finding happiness, rather
than through these extrinsic,
object-oriented ones. Being happy is actually achieved mostly through one’s
behavior and outlook rather than material, situational means. This is why it’s
important to start cultivating healthy habits.
No matter what type of
business you run, you’re going to need your employees to perform well in order
to be successful. If you get the most out of your employees, there is no limit
on how far you could go. In order to get the most out of your employees, making
them happy should be a priority. Here are five ways that you can help your
employees be happy about work.
1.
A sense of meaning: Whether on the widget-line or in the executive suite,
every employee feels happier knowing that their hard work benefits not just the
business but the larger world.
2.
Opportunities for
growth: People are happier when they are learning, and
they are happier doing their jobs when they feel that they are enjoying
continuous opportunities to grow. A lot of those people are even happier
when they know that growth is helping them get to the next rung on their
desired career ladder… or lattice.
3.
Offer autonomy to
workers: Allowing workers to perform tasks
related to their jobs in their own way will not only make workers happier. It
will also make them more productive since they will not have to waste time
waiting for approval from superiors.
4.
Offer a good training
program: Employers shouldn't underestimate the
impact training has on employees and their future happiness. A
company-sponsored mentorship or structured training sessions are likely to lead
to engagement among employees.
5.
Create a favorable
office environment: Employees are happier
if they like where they work. Simple things such as reducing the length of
meetings, providing food to employees in the office, and recognizing employees
after a job well done make employees happier. Communication with employees also
helps to alleviate many concerns they may have about their job since it helps
workers feel happier and more secure at work. Communication either in person,
in an email or with a handwritten note all helped to make workers feel better
at work.
In general, workplaces
that make us feel included, valued, cared for, and competent bring out our best
efforts. And while happiness
alone may not cause productivity, it’s a pretty solid start. Happier workers
stick around longer, bring more energy and enthusiasm to their tasks, and help
maintain organizational morale.
The only true handicap in life is ones attitude. We often wear it on our shoulder and it often reflect our true feeling about things. We do have a choice to see things in a positive or negative light as the glass could be half empty (the pessimist) or the glass could be half full (the optimist). It all depends on how you want to look at it. The same goes for many challenges we confront in everyday in life. Show your true colors and be the best person you know you can be.
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