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It’s undeniably true, happy people perform better in every way imaginable. It’s just one of those things we can’t escape. When people are happy, they tend to work better, communicate better, care more, be more energetic, give their best to whatever is before them. One of the most critical aspects to remember as a leader in today’s world is the power of happy people.
While it’s true that people’s happiness will be shaped by events outside of work to a large degree, we should still strive to create an environment of work that fosters happiness. It’s no secret a great majority of people live for the weekend or evenings. Work is a drudgery. It’s just something they do because they need to pay the bills. Company culture is a major contributor to people’s unhappiness at the office.
3 Ways to Foster Happiness in the Office
Listen…
People are happier when they are heard. Your team members have ideas, concerns, and lives outside of work. No ones expects every idea they have to be used my their team, but being heard — that’s different. Who speaks with the intent of being ignored? Answer: No one.
By listening and considering the ideas of your team, you are building an environment that’s more enjoyable. Of course, you need to consider the ideas they offer and not just placate them. No one is going to be fooled by your pretend listening.
Hearing and addressing the concerns of your team is just as important and considering their ideas. Even the worrier needs to be heard, every time. People raise concerns because they are concerned. Ignoring them leads to more worry and even fear. This will kill moral and happiness fast! Even the chronic worried will have a legitimate concern once in a while. Give positive feedback when they get it right. Help diffuse fears when concerns are unfounded. In either case, discussing these items with your team is a path to a happier environment.
Finally, showing interest in the non-work related lives of your team is also a great way to help your team be happier at work. Start Monday meetings with questions about the weekend. “Did everyone have a good weekend?” This will create camaraderie and foster team unity.
Be social…
While talking and listening to one another is a form of being social, taking it a step further can help create the right atmosphere. Introducing times during the work day that people recognize as being social. A weekly or monthly team lunch can help people integrate into the team and make friends with their teammates. A team outing for an afternoon can also create the same environment.
As the leader, you need to jump into the activity with everyone else and lead by example. Relax, have fun, and be yourself around the team during these outings. Let them see you as a peer for the afternoon instead of the boss. These kinds of activities are conjured up more easily around the holidays, but don’t let them just be holiday events.
Put the person first…
Work demands a certain amount of focus. Otherwise, nothing will be accomplished. But, when life meets up against work, be sure to support your team members by putting their personal life first. Does the work still need to be accomplished, of course. Could teammate watch their child’s afternoon school performance and wrap up that report this evening or in the morning? Yes! Don’t make them feel like they’re asking permission when they bring it up. Instead, make it more like you wish you could be there — although not actually be there (that might be weird).
Placing the individual’s personal life in the position of importance is a major contribution toward their happiness. If my boss cares about my family, I know I’m in good company.
Let’s wrap it up
These three suggestions do not make an exhaustive list of ways you can create an environment for happiness at your company. You should look to hire people with a happy disposition when possible. And be inventive in ways to foster and promote happiness in the work place. It will pay dividends in both productivity and the lives of the individuals on your team.
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