How happiness impacts work, and how smart internal comms can drive it.
There’s been a ton of press lately around the academic research of happiness. In fact, a Yale University course called “Psychology and the Good Life” is the school’s most popular ever, and Harvard researcher Shawn Achor’s TED talk, The Happy Secret to Better Work, has been watched over 18 million times… and even earned him a coveted sit-down with Oprah.
Happiness research, especially in the context of the workplace, fascinates me. I mean, who doesn’t want to be happier at work? Plus, research suggests that workplace happiness directly influences productivity, so employers should be perking up here too. And yet today, even with unemployment at record lows, nearly a quarter of employees report feeling burned out or unhappy. This is spurring organizations to figure out the “secret sauce” behind workplace happiness.
Defining Happiness
It’s difficult to define a “happy” workplace, because what makes one individual happy (i.e. challenge, excitement) can be different for another (predictability, stability). Happiness, as they say, is relative. That said, research suggests that “happier” workplaces have cultures where folks feel included, heard, represented, valued, motivated, trusted and supported by their managers or leaders. It’s also important for employees to feel they are doing meaningful work, see growth potential and receive clear communication and recognition for the work they perform. Often in workplaces, the term “happiness” is conflated with the term “engagement.” When you think back on your happiest work experiences, researchers say you weren’t just happy… you were also engaged.
Creating and Measuring Happiness
Some folks say you can cultivate an engaged workplace by offering work-life balance, encouraging learning, or increasing praise and recognition. Others say a culture of autonomy is the key. Achor shares 5 steps everyone can take to be happier in general. The point is, engagement can be addressed in many different ways within organizations. The first step is ensuring your your company is aligned internally on the culture it wants to create/foster. Then, you need to identify metrics that track the behaviors and employee sentiments that support that culture, and tailor your communications to share, spotlight and recognize these behaviors over time.
It’s Not What You Think
When asked to think about “happy” offices, sometimes cozy couches, casual dress codes and “Free-Drink Fridays” come to mind. Research suggests, however, that employees care more about working remotely, wellness programs and professional development opportunities. If your organization isn’t frequently spotlighting your wellness benefits, your training courses or your summer Fridays, it’s time to start. Even better would be using internal storytelling opportunities to show how these benefits directly enhance employees’ lives.
Engagement Over Time
While not necessarily responsible for HR programs and initiatives, good internal communications can directly support engagement by spreading the word. Consistent internal communications can also help increase overall engagement and employee loyalty over time. (Think of it as the difference between shopping somewhere when you see a sale sign vs. shopping there because you truly love the store and wouldn’t think of shopping anywhere else.)
By ensuring your employees receive clear, consistent messages, have access to two-way channels that invite them to be part of the dialog, trusted leaders that are willing to act on feedback and frequently communicate with colleagues, and formal and informal recognition opportunities, strategic internal communications can help drive a “happier” office culture.
Tell me about your happiest job in the comments section… Does the research support your experience?
With more than two decades of communications experience spanning agencies, Fortune-100 organizations, non-profits and academia, Kristi Hinck Mills today brings her passion for internal communications to CommsLede Consulting, where she delivers smart, targeted communications solutions for global clients.
