Happiness at the work place…

             What makes happy workers? Is money really motivating?

The scientific happiness has been extensively studied in recent years. The results of the latest extensive psychological research in this area, pointed out the importance of happiness, not only for individuals but also for the institutions where they work. According to these investigations, individuals assessed as having higher levels of happiness, not only contribute to the development of a positive interpersonal relationships between the various elements of the Organization, how they maintain greater motivation for the job. These factors are reflected not only at the level of professional performance but also at the level of greater assiduity, impacting positively on your organization's productivity.

Work or the lack of it, can be something that shapes a large part of someone’s social identity. Psychologists look at what role work plays in an adult’s life and why we are motivated to work. Either employees are very well paid or not, there are evidences that suggest that it is not their salary that makes them happy.

As part of a 5 year research program into happiness at work, focusing at the role that money played. Right at the start it was a surprise to see that money didn't seem to matter at all in building happiness at work. In fact there was no correlation between happiness at work and pay.

This research has identified key components that inform and build happiness at work: Contribution (the effort an individual or team makes), Conviction (short-term motivation), Culture (a feeling of fit at work), Commitment (long-term engagement), and Confidence (the belief in ones abilities). Their research also suggested that pride, trust, recognition and achieving full potential are associated within each of the factors. During this research it was found that happier employees, spent more time on tasks at work. They reported that the happier groups spent 78% of each day on tasks, whereas less happy groups spent just 53% of each day on tasks. This research clearly suggests that if an employee is happy at work that the both the employee and employer will benefit from it.

From the evidence it could be concluded that happy workers feel that their contributions are noticed, appreciated and valued; being treated well promotes happiness and wellbeing for employees. Happiness at work has little to do with money, is a mind-set which allows you to maximize your potential. You do this by being mindful of the highs and lows when working alone or with others. This isn’t just about the highs. It’s about creating a bank which you invest in and then drawn on.

Above all be Positive ;-).

From the Biological point of view: Happiness is a combination of Psychical pleasure, not felling negative and having a sense of purpose. Your amygdala - also called amygdaloid nucleus - is responsible for generating negative emotions. To be happy, this part of the brain must be kept quiet. Working on non-emotional mental tasks inhibits the amygdala, which is why keeping yourself busy can cheer you up when you are feeling down. Not feeling miserable is not enough to make you feel completely happy. You also need to feel a sense of purpose and meaning. This feeling requires activity in the front part of your frontal lobe. People with depression have very little activity in this area of the brain. The feeling of pleasure associated with happiness is caused by a brain chemical called dopamine. A simple thrill or the sight of a long lost love can trigger a rush of dopamine. -          The good news, Happiness can be taught and learned, it is not only determined by external factors, it’s a choice, it’s a practice, it’s a habit, and we can do it.

                         

References:

Nigel Barber (2011) What makes workers happy? Lessons from the best company to work for.  Happiness at work has little to do with money.   Psychology Today June 1, 2011.

Spoors, P., Dyer, E.W., Finlay, L. and Marsh, G. (2011) Starting with Psychology. Milton Keynes, The Open University.