WHY IS HAPPINESS AT WORK IMPORTANT?

After publishing our Salary and Diversity Report for marketers in tech this year, one of the key findings that came out of the data was to do with employee happiness. We all want to be happy personally, but business leaders also need to be concerned with the happiness of their employees. Why? Because happy and engaged employees will result in a thriving company.

This is a topic we are passionate about so who better to talk to about it than happiness expert Matt Phelan?

Matt is the author of the Freedom to Be Happy, TED Talk speaker and co-CEO of the Happiness Index. He has spent the last 10 years delving into over 10 million data points, trying to discover what makes us truly happy at work.

THE HIGHLIGHTS

• [01:48] We explore the 4 key factors that contribute to employee happiness

• [03:59] Why should leaders be concerned about their employees feeling safe?

• [06.28] Comparison is the thief of joy — what we can learn from Winnie the Pooh

• [11:10] How Salary impacts on our happiness and how video game creators have got it right

• [15:05] The blame game - we discuss competitive cultures and what leaders can do to influence a more positive culture.

• [23:09] Top barriers - what’s stopping leaders looking at the bigger picture?

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING EMPLOYEE HAPPINESS SERIOUSLY?

Happiness at work is not just a feel-good sentiment; it has tangible effects on individual well-being, team dynamics, and organisational success. Creating a positive work environment that fosters happiness not only benefits employees but also has a direct impact on the bottom line by enhancing productivity, innovation, and overall business performance.

Employee Well-Being: A happy work environment promotes the overall well-being of employees. When employees are content and satisfied with their work, they experience lower stress levels, better mental health, and improved overall quality of life.

Productivity and Performance: Happy employees tend to be more engaged, motivated, and productive. They are more likely to go the extra mile, put in discretionary effort, and take ownership of their tasks, leading to increased performance and higher-quality work.

Retention and Loyalty: Organizations that prioritize employee happiness tend to have higher retention rates. When employees are happy, they are more likely to stay with the company, reducing turnover costs and retaining institutional knowledge.

Innovation and Creativity: Happiness fosters a sense of psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas without fear of judgment. This environment is conducive to creativity and innovation, as employees are more willing to explore new approaches and experiment.

Reduced Absenteeism: Employees who are content and engaged are less likely to take frequent sick leaves or absenteeism. This reduces disruptions to team dynamics and maintains consistent productivity.

Positive Company Culture: A workplace that prioritizes happiness contributes to the creation of a positive company culture. Such a culture attracts top talent, fosters a sense of belonging, and creates a virtuous cycle of employee satisfaction and success.

Health and Well-being: A happy work environment promotes better physical health as well. Lower stress levels and increased job satisfaction are linked to improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and better overall health outcomes.

Positive Reputation: Organizations that prioritize employee happiness often gain a positive reputation in the job market. This can attract top talent and contribute to the company's brand as an employer of choice.

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