Is Happiness at Work an Indicator of Productivity?

What does it take to be productive? You probably already have an idea of things you can do to be more productive. You have probably heard of using a schedule or daily planner, standing to work, activity time tracking, meditation. Most of these are under-utilized, but at least we know about them. So keep on it, and keep it up!

That is a good start, right? But that is not the first thing you need to do. You have to decide to be happy and conquer the day with flying colours (rainbow colours if you want to!). And why is that, you ask?

Well, happy people are pleasant and their upbeat behaviour makes them easier to work with. They are generally cheerful and can maintain beneficial and respectful employee relations with subordinates as well as create an inviting atmosphere for the customers. A happier customer service representative can build a good list of potential buyers and repeat or loyal customers. In return sales are also promising and who would not be satisfied with that result?

What Makes a Person Happy at Work?

Research shows that generally happy people have active involvement and are more creative to bring changes and innovative concepts to the table. They are more motivated to excel. It is important that managers execute proper and ethical roles in handling their knowledge workers since they are the ones implementing the functions or work of the organization.

Happiness when you love your job will make you so much more appreciative of your daily tasks and routine, even when you think these are just basic or mundane. Haven't you ever experienced this? When you’re happy with your work you can find yourself enjoying your job. This means you do not complain, you're not looking for flaws, problems, or mistakes, and you won't be dragging yourself to work.

A study mentioned that optimism can help people cope up with challenges at work, they work better even when under pressure or undergoing any form of depression. The happy people and great influencers of the organization such as the managers are more inclined to be optimistic. The positive attitude of optimism can create an immense impact on the efficiency and productivity of the people around you and it will definitely benefit the business you are part of.

If we are going to think about what can make people really happy at work, we may find out three things. These include purpose, friendship, and hope.

Every person has a purpose in mind - something that should be clear and will motivate a person to pursue his goals. A purpose serves as a pathway to the destination you wanted to reach.  At work, it can be about enhancing your professional career or acquiring a promotion.

Workers who build friendships among their colleagues and workmates can also be happy because they have other people to share their work experiences, achievements and issues. A workplace becomes a pleasant place to work at because they can feel that there are people who can give them support when there are problems with their tasks. The moments like sharing stories, helping with a task, having coffee breaks, and doing meetings or brainstorming make workers create teamwork and camaraderie. 

The hope of becoming a better employee and providing a better future for their families make workers happier as they expect their companies to help them. This kind of hope makes them inspired and motivated to perform their job with a higher level of efficiency, dedication and commitment.

Many individuals are unhappy at work because they haven't tapped into what fundamentally motivates them — they lack a sense of meaning in their job or connection with their team.

An article from The Balance Careers shared some ways on how to make workers happy. One of the tips mentioned is to take responsibility for becoming aware of what is happening at work. The article stated:

“Feeling out of the loop at work, or knowing that you are missing key information that other employees have, can leave you feeling dissatisfied and undervalued. But if you wait for someone else to fill you in, the information you need may never come.

Instead of waiting to find out what's happening with your company, department projects, or coworkers, proactively seek out information that you need to do your job and make important decisions. Develop an information network and use it. Assertively request a weekly meeting with your boss and ask meaningful questions.”

Other ways mentioned in the article include asking for feedback, taking charge of both personal and professional development, staying committed, avoiding negativity, making friends, and having professional courage.

Happy people are excellent workers as they are more motivated, decisive and give a well-thought action. Their choices are done conspicuously with the desire to show how to do things right. They are also eager to learn more and enhance their skills and competencies by enrolling in an online school or taking up some specific courses. Another way is practicing an on-the-job attitude - but not to the point that your superiors will take advantage of your desire to help, learn, and earn more. Every company has its sets of rules and regulations and provides the employees with a channel to stay happy and content at work. As a return, employees should also do their best to give the company the best service they can provide.

Lastly, grateful people are known to work more productively and happily. But of course, we should also take care of our overall health. It’s impossible to render a great quality of work. People are thankful when their health is in optimum condition. Happy people are healthy because of the healthy choices of food, hobby, and work routine. Part of that work routine is also staying active (active people are happy people!). Try to go for walks when you can, minimize the time you spend sitting, and if you don't already have one - get a sit stand desk! It will make you more productive AND happier (which will make you even more productive).