Unhappiness among workers in America is costing a shocking $300 billion per year in lost productivity, Gallup-Healthways estimates. According to its recent Well-Being Index, Americans are increasingly unhappy with their jobs and work environments. When people aren't happy about their jobs or their employers, they don't show up consistently, they produce less and their work quality suffers.
Current American Psychological Association research findings show that people want contentment, love and happiness derived from meaningful work. They want nourishing personal relationships, a healthy mind and body, a spiritual core, and a reason for living. But with only 24 hours in a day and all of the competing demands of modern life, the question is—how? Is it even possible? How can you as a manager facilitate your employees' happiness and consequently increase your company's success along with your own?
You, as well as your company, need a defined mission. With an established purpose, you can manage and prioritize energies and resources to best fulfill the mission. Work and life have meaning when we feel what we are doing is worthwhile and in alignment with our values. There are five life factors that need to be kept in dynamic balance to achieve and maintain happiness and productivity. Understanding people's motivators will help you structure the work environment and develop products and services that serve your customers.
Money (and Other Means of Value Exchange)
In today's world, money is the primary, and sometimes only, form of work compensation. Yet surveys have shown that the most effective motivator for increased performance and creativity is when people feel their work has meaning and value. Understanding what drives people is helpful in the design of incentive programs to increase satisfaction and performance. Show people how their jobs impact the overall success of the company's mission, and tie their remuneration to their contribution to the objectives of the organization. That way, they can see how their efforts benefit the company, and be motivated to contribute to its success.
Relationships
Humans are inherently social. We need honest and positive connection with others to survive and thrive in the workplace and in our personal lives. Healthy relationships build trust and enhance openness and collaboration, instead of fear and reluctant compliance. Structure a participatory work environment and allow for flexibility during business hours, so that your associates can adjust their schedules if needed. When people feel respected and trusted to perform at a high level, they strive to do better. If we understand human relationships, we can plan and act accordingly in business and life for greater productivity and satisfaction.
Body
The American Psychology Association points to stress as the biggest cause of illness today—and oftentimes workplace stress is the primary culprit. Sick or unhealthy workers are unable to function optimally, and their performance suffers. Unhealthy workers also cost the company more in health-care costs and absenteeism. Encourage employees to take their allotted vacation days; time away rejuvenates the mind and body, and employees will return refreshed and energized.
Community
When your company is actively involved in the surrounding community, you have a source of local support. Your community is also an excellent place to get input and feedback on your products and services. In today's global economy, your community encompasses the entire world, and that perspective will help you develop your company's offerings to best suit the market. Encourage and support volunteerism in the communities your company works in. Connect with nonprofits and other organizations that serve your market. If your company sells products or services to small businesses, volunteer and affiliate with SCORE, the SBA's non-profit consulting arm to small businesses. This will contribute to the well-being of your community, and give you valuable input about your customers' needs and concerns while strengthening your business network.
Spirit
A belief in something greater than ourselves sustains us when we are in pain, scared or in dire need. That same power enhances positive experiences and gives us joy, compassion and energy. Recognizing the power of beliefs can guide your work policies to honor others' beliefs and facilitate their practice of them. When people feel respected for who they are and what they believe, they are happier and more productive.
Copyright © 2013 Marilyn Tam & Ed Rigsbee
By Marilyn Tam, Ph.D. & Ed Rigsbee, CAE, CSP
Adapted from "The Happiness Choice" (Wiley 2013) by Marilyn Tam, Ph.D. Tam is a speaker, author, consultant, and board certified executive/corporate/leadership coach. Formerly the CEO of Aveda Corp., president of Reebok Apparel and Retail Group and vice president of Nike Inc., she is also a successful entrepreneur who has developed and built four companies. For more information, visit www.marilyntam.com.
Ed Rigsbee, CAE, CSP, is the author of several books and more than 2,000 articles on how to grow your business through strategic alliance development and implementation. He lectures internationally on the topic. For more information, visit www.rigsbee.com.
- People:
- Ed Rigsbee
- Marilyn Tam, Ph.D.
- Places:
- America