Workplace happiness

WYOMING BUSINESS TIPS

A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Entrepreneur Network, a partnership of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Anya Petersen-Frey, Regional
Director, MBA, PhD (abd), Senior Human Resource Professional

As an employer, I am frustrated by the concept that it is my job to make my employees "happy". 
I certainly want them to be pleased at work and have a vested interest in the business' success, but "happy " seems more of a personal thing, a bit touchy feely for the office.  Am I wrong to expect an employee to come in and want to do a good job?      Ann E.  Cheyenne

 

Alex Linley, founder of the Center for Applied Positive Psychology in England, said, "Happiness gets
trashed.  It's considered too pink and fluffy for the workplace."  Therefore, you are not alone in thinking this topic might be out of place in the office.  However, Linley points out it is often dependent on perception.  For example, she strives to help organizations become "strength-based".  This means that the employer seeks to buoy what people are doing right, rather what they
are doing wrong.

In the book, First, Break All The Rules, by Marcus Buckingham a survey found that only 17% of U.S. workers use their strengths at work.  Yet, the largest global companies such as Yahoo, Toyota, and Best Buy have strength-based cultures.  trengths, according to Linley, are the "pre-existing capacity for behaving, thinking, or feeling that is authentic and energizing to the user, and enables optimal functioning, development and performance."  It is believed that when employees use their strengths it will tend to create a sense of purpose, and "happiness" with their work.

So, what does this mean to you as a small employer? Start by defining the strengths needed in your business and then redefine roles (job descriptions) to better play to a person's strengths.  Perhaps have an employee partner with someone who compensates for his weaknesses.  Explore and evaluate your approach and continually refine the process.  Ask employees for input into their jobs and how they might see their strengths best utilized.

This is a process, not an immediate solution, so give it a little time.  In the long run, it can lead to "happier" employees and a more productive environment for you, the business owner, and lead to a better experience for your customers.

If you would like one on one advising on human resource issues please send Anya an
e-mail at [email protected] or give her a call at 307-632-6141.

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services of Wyoming Entrepreneur, or to ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194,
e-mail [email protected] or write 1000 East University Avenue, Department 3922,
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Comments

[honda stream]

To make a happier work place, Ask what the people think. People love to be asked their opinion, so go out of your way to ask, "What do you think belongs in this report?" or, "How do you think I should handle this situation with client X?" Then give the advice giver a sincere thank-you, even if the ideas are less than helpful.

[recruitment specialists]

Workplace happiness is an important factor that determines how long an individual will stay in his job. If he is happy and satisfied with his work, then definitely that person is productive and would not want to lose his job.

[Happiness]

Happiness comes to them who opens their door for small treats that life provides to them. So be happy and live longer!

[Blogging4Jobs]

Agreed 100% - a more positive workplace will make for a happier workplace, and improved employee morale. To Ann - it isn't necessarily your job to worry about your employees' personal happiness or mood, but it is certainly the employer's job to make sure that the employees' happiness and attitude about the workplace are positive and encouraging. Like Anya says, one place to begin is strengths. By focusing on the positives of someone's work, you're encouraging them to keep that same level of production. Letting an employee know when their performance is excellent is a good start to encouraging good work in the future. A happy and positive office environment is one of the keys to a successful business.