The art of excellence in the workplace

"If we take the happiness agenda seriously and make the changes that would enhance well-being at work, we could see real bottom-line benefits in terms of sickness, absence and greater productivity from more engaged workers." - Stephen Bevan, Dir., the Work Foundation

"HAPPINESS", the up and coming buzzword, has taken the world by storm. The United Nations has decreed March 20 as "International Happiness Day", the United Arab Emirates have appointed a "Minister of Happiness", Bhutan has its "Gross Happiness Index", and many countries are looking to replicate Scandinavian countries, renowned for having the happiest citizens in the world!

Businesses are rapidly jumping on the bandwagon as well, bringing a culture of happiness to the workplace. But what does this mean and why is it becoming so crucial for the well-being of an organisation to make its employees happy? Why should decision-makers be concerned about the happiness of their employees - surely it is more than enough that they are offering a job and a salary?

The equation is in fact very simple - if your employees feel well and happy in their work environment, if they feel trusted and respected, and achieve job satisfaction, your company/organisation will see tangible benefits such as increased profits and an enhanced reputation - and it will also be in a privileged position to recruit and retain the best talent on the market.

Employees are the first public of any organisation and are their best ambassadors. A happy employee is a motivated employee who will want to produce more, will be absent less frequently, will be more creative and will contribute to a healthy atmosphere in the work-space.

Many companies have already understood this and are today turning to Happiness Consultants and even hiring in-house Chief Happiness Officers to guide them in putting together a coherent strategy. The solutions can be very diverse, from work spaces being reassessed for better functionality, comfort, productivity and even fun - perhaps by adding colour and design to an otherwise monotone environment - to redefining the company's culture and rethinking the relationship between management and employees by increasing dialogue; to offering trainings, yoga sessions and even having fresh fruits and treats delivered to the office every morning....

Every organisation is different, and each one needs tailor-made solutions, but one thing is for sure, those who recognise that employees are their greatest asset and are ready to do something about it will reap the benefits of a "happy" professional environment.

Virak proposes a The Art of Excellence in the Workplace workshop

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