Spread Joy!

We all strive for productivity, creativity, employee retention, and customer satisfaction. Research shows that employees that feel happy while performing their tasks are 13% more productive, and feel more committed to the company's mission. Here are a couple of tips to help cultivate joy in the workplace. 

Team leader must set the tone. When leaders express their happiness and excitement with the company’s financial state, and about its purpose, employees tend to mirror the joy of their leaders. 

A meaningful purpose. When employees have a clear vision of the company’s purpose and the strategy for the future, and understand how the company makes a positive contribution to society they feel more committed to achieving their goals. People want more than just a paycheck, they want to feel that they are contributing to something positive. 

Show gratitude. It’s hard to feel joy about a job where no one appreciates what you do. Provide positive feedback to your employees, promote peer to peer recognition, and set aside time for gratitude. 

Acknowledge negative sentiments. It’s not all sunny days and negative emotions should be acknowledged. Don’t discourage it, but create a dedicated time and safe environment for employees to share their negative thoughts and emotions. This may sounds counterproductive, but sweeping negative emotions under the rug will only generate more negativity. 

Mental Health care Benefits. Depression, anxiety, and other mental ailments make it extremely difficult for people to experience joy without first treating the root cause of these conditions. Making sure employees are aware that resources are available and are encouraged by their leaders can be helpful and necessary to cultivate a joyful workplace. 

Happiness comes in different forms. Some employees feel joy when they receive positive feedback, others feel joy when they feel they have a say in the company’s culture, others need to feel that they are contributing to society. Leaders should apply different strategies and learn how each employee responds. The goal is to create a workplace where employees feel happy and in turn become committed to the company’s vision and goals.

Be joyful. Be grateful.