The Happiness Gap at Work
It’s interesting that when the happiest country is announced each year either Finland and/or Denmark always is in first place. This past year, for the first time, the US didn’t even make the top 20.
The Happiest Countries list isn’t about happiness at work but looking at some of the common business practices, it is obvious that the leaders of the winning countries value some of those business practices that increase employee happiness.
Business leaders in the happiest countries know that how people feel at work and about their work impacts their physical and mental health, their longevity, and their relationships at work and at home.
While there are business practices that can and should impact employee happiness such as engagement and providing a fair and comprehensive benefits package, there is much more that leaders can and should be doing including:
Being trustworthy—Putting a great deal of effort into establishing and maintaining the trust of their staff members. “Walking the talk” because people who trust their leaders are happier at work.
Being transparent—Sharing what they can whether it is good or unwelcome news which also greatly supports the trust factor.
Being consistent—Doing their best to stay on an even keel and prepare their staff members for change. Acknowledging that most people don’t want to be surprised, communicating early and often.
Being straightforward—Valuing candor which makes staff members feel they know what is happening in their organization and also makes them feel psychologically safe at work.
Being open to hearing from staff members—Encouraging employees to speak up in meetings and to bring their concerns and their ideas forward. Recognizing that most people bring their best selves to work, rewarding and honoring the contributions made by staff members.
Being honest with themselves—Living out the premise that no leader can be trusted without being honest with themselves. Showing vulnerability as appropriate and sharing stories with staff members that allow their authentic selves to show up.
What are you doing as a leader to create a workplace where your valued staff members can do their best work and also be happy? Happiness isn’t just about feeling good. Happy employees know what is expected of them and where their work fits in the organization’s strategic direction. Happy employees are more productive and productivity drives not only profitability, but the ability to fulfill the organization’s mission and purpose. Shouldn’t that be the goal of every organization?