E-couragement: A Case for Happiness

“There is work that is work and there is play that is play; there is play that is work and work that is play. And in only one of these lies happiness.” Gelett Burgess Imagine you’re attending a weekly leadership meeting. You’re gently pivoting in the cushy, leather executive chair as you gaze around the gleaming dark mahogany conference table at your peers, fellow VP’s and directors. Glancing down at the agenda, you notice the first item up for discussion: Happiness within the workplace. Okay, back to reality. Why might this be a stretch for most people’s imagination? Have we missed the most recent research that promotes employee misery as an effective and productive team culture?

Apparently misery in the workplace is fashionable. The Gallup-Healthways 2011 Well-Being Index uncovered that Americans feel worse about their jobs and work environments than ever before. Across all ages and income levels people are unhappy with their supervisors, apathetic about their organizations, and disengaged from what they do. There’s little indication that this will improve anytime soon.

On the other end of the spectrum is Tony Hsieh, founder of Zappos. Since its inception in 1999, Zappos has grown to be the largest online shoe store and in July 2009, was acquired by Amazon.com for $1.2 billion. He’s a prophet with regards to workplace happiness and its impact on business outcomes. In a Fast Company article, Hsieh discusses how his organization fosters personal authenticity at all levels. They give people permission to be their true selves. As a result, employees feel better about themselves and their coworkers. In his book, Delivering Happiness, Hsieh points to research, which found the best companies, in terms of long-term financial performance, are ones that intentionally combine profits, passion, and purpose in the workplace.

It’s time to reclaim our right to be happy. Let’s do our part to extract misery from the workplace—it’s had its way far too long. As the research points out, a happy work culture is a smart business strategy which leads to greater innovation, employee retention, productivity, and profitability. Now that’s something to smile about.

Leave your comment: What’s preventing companies from promoting happiness as a key aspect of their daily work culture?