International Happiness at Work Week 2023
Did you know that, as of July 2023, the average weekly number of hours worked by full-time employees in the UK was 36.4 hours? This equates to just under 1,750 hours a year (taking annual leave into account), which amounts to 87,500 hours across a 50-year career. As incredible as that is, as the saying goes, you’ll never work a day in your life if you enjoy what you do.
We all deserve to enjoy the job we do.
Today is the first day of International Happiness at Work week (25th-29th September). According to those that named this week, “Happier employees are more involved, more productive, more cooperative, more creative, and more innovative. They are less likely to call in sick and there is a decreased chance they will experience burnout.
Happiness at work is about meaningful work, healthy relationships, development, and having fun. And about stopping unnecessary rules, powerplay, complicated processes and procedures, absenteeism, unmotivated colleagues, and terrible managers.”
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environments, the concept of employee wellbeing has emerged as a critical factor in promoting workplace performance, organisational success, and fostering positive company culture. Employees are the backbone of any business and their physical, mental, and emotional health directly impact their productivity, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. Happiness at work should be a top priority for all organisations, big or small.
To make happiness at work the norm and not the exception, here are some employee wellbeing initiatives to consider:
Employee engagement – encouraging employees to actively participate in decision-making processes, providing opportunities for skill development and fostering a sense of ownership and purpose in their work.
Health and wellness initiatives – offering corporate wellbeing workshops to encourage and support employees to improve their overall wellbeing and health. These can be on topics of mental health, nutrition, and mindfulness which can all contribute to feelings of happiness in and out of the workplace.
Mental health support – a healthier workforce is a happier workforce, and this includes being mentally healthy too. Taking a Mental Health First Aid Course or participating in mental health workshops are all great ways to bolster personal mental health as well as assisting in spotting if someone else at work is struggling with their mental health.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) – offering resources and support for employees dealing with personal issues, stress, or mental health challenges.
Work-life balance – promoting a healthy balance between work and personal life by offering flexible work arrangements, paid time off, and mental health support.
Positive organisational culture – cultivating a workplace culture that values collaboration, diversity, inclusivity, and open communication.
Leadership and management training – training managers and leaders to be empathetic, supportive, and effective in promoting a positive work environment.
Recognition and rewards – acknowledging and rewarding employees’ achievements and contributions to the organisation through incentives, bonuses, or other recognition programs.
The importance of happiness and wellbeing in the workplace cannot be overstated. It goes beyond mere benefits; it is a strategic investment in the overall success and sustainability of an organisation. By creating a positive work environment, promoting productivity and performance, reducing absenteeism, boosting engagement and loyalty, and addressing mental health concerns, employers can harness the power of wellbeing to foster a thriving workplace where employees can bring their happiest selves to work. Prioritising employee happiness paves the way for enduring organisational success in today’s dynamic and competitive business landscape.