Happy Places: How To Create Workplaces For Performance, Engagement And Happiness

This is the talent revolution and you will be able to stand out in a world of happiness-producing workplaces. GettyThere is no other revolution than the talent revolution. To attract and retain talent, you need to create a compelling employee value equation. This includes consideration for pay, benefits, flexibility, workplaces, culture, and hybrid work methods. Employee happiness will have a significant impact on their decision to join, engage and commit.With increased attention being paid to work experiences, people are more focused on their work experience. Companies must make sure that employees feel happy. Happiness has a positive impact on retention and attraction. Research shows that people who report more happiness are healthier, perform better, have higher goals, and are more likely to achieve them. Statistics show that happier people are statistically more attractive, which contributes to a positive culture. Happiness is good business.Work experiences have a significant impact on happiness. Content of work, leadership, autonomy, and place for work are just some of the most important aspects. These are the most important elements to create the right conditions for happiness, engagement, and effectiveness.CommunityOver the past 16 months, mental health has been in decline. Feelings of social isolation are linked to depression and anxiety. This can also lead to difficulties thinking and burnout. It is important to have work experiences that foster a sense of belonging, connection, and community. No matter what personality type you are, we all need to connect with others. Work is the best place to meet these needs. Social capital is created through social interactions. We feel connected to a larger purpose through our connections with others.People who feel connected, whether planned or unplanned, are more likely to be happy in places that foster them. They remind us that we are all in this together. They help us feel connected and secure our social identity, which is crucial for our happiness. Happiness is found in being part of something larger than oneself and being accepted as part of a group. People can feel positive when they connect in informal spaces such as coffee bars, work cafes, and conference rooms.LeadershipLeadership is crucial for mental health. One study found that people who are more empathic reported higher levels of well-being when their leaders were more compassionate. People feel cared for and nurtured by others. Leaders don't have to be psychologists. However, being conscious about showing care and checking in on people can make them feel valued.It is also important to consider the importance of place. Positive work experiences are made possible by having access to and being near leaders. People feel more comfortable asking questions, sharing their ideas, and listening to leaders. Leaders have the opportunity to make connections, acknowledge employees' contributions, share information, and ensure that people feel connected to the organization's larger goals and purpose. You should create places for employees and leaders to meet. You should also consider creating leadership spaces that are transparent (think: enclaves made of semi-transparent glass), so people can see where leaders are at all times.NatureStudies after studies (such as this one from the National University of Singapore) have shown that nature has a positive effect on happiness and other forms of well-being (mental, physical, and cognitive). People who have more sunlight, green space, and views tend to be healthier overall. This holds true for cities, neighbourhoods, and workplaces.This knowledge can be put to good use by creating spaces that have biophilic elements from nature (ex. Water features, reflective surfaces, and plants are all examples of biophilic elements. You should also consider areas where there is plenty of daylight and beautiful views. You can provide both prospect and refuge for your customers. These places should be safe and have a view of the future. These elements will make your space a place where people feel happy and secure.Productivity and EsteemIt is a fundamental human need to feel that we are contributing to the wider community. This sense of value may be diminished by working from home. We are reminded less often about how we interact with other workers when we are separated. It may be less likely to consider how we are part of a chain that creates customer value. The work-from-home experience might not have been supportive of all types of work. People with young children may have difficulty focusing. Virtual work was a great option for those who need to collaborate with others or generate new ideas.Because we perform better when our work is supported, workplaces that are open to all types of work can lead to happiness. If we feel positive and esteem about our work, and our lives, then it is possible to have a better performance. You need to create environments where people can focus, concentrate, collaborate or co-create with others and learn from them. These are just some of the many tasks that an employee may do throughout their working day. They may perform these tasks in different proportions depending on their job, but they still need support for all types of work.LearningHappiness is also characterized by a desire to grow, learn and stretch. People who are happy tend to be open to learning new things. The relationship between happiness, learning, and happiness is also reversed. People who have experienced challenges report more happiness. Learning is also good for businesses. Learning skills improves the organization and is a key criterion to employee retention and attraction. Many people have reported that their careers were stalled due to the pandemic. New learning opportunities and career growth opportunities are available.Learning is a key component of happiness and fulfillment. People will want to go to places that promote learning, whether it's in formal classroom settings with strong curricula, or informal spaces where they can learn from mentors or leaders.VarietyBrain science shows that we need stimulation and variety to perform at our best. Burnout is characterised by feelings of depression, boredom, and feeling stuck. The opposite is true. When we feel more stimulated, it's more likely that we will feel more inspired, fulfilled and challenged. Although working remotely has many perks, such as fuzzy slippers, no commute and time with our pets, it has also made our worlds more small. There is no natural flow to our days at work, or other spaces that offer stimulation and inspiration.You should offer people a variety of places to go. Places that allow them to be alone or together. You should create areas on campus that allow people to meet new and existing colleagues and build their networks. We are drawn to the variety of experiences that offer a richer experience and keep coming back.SumHappiness is important in extraordinary ways. It can lead to greater success and better company results, as well as greater physical and mental health and greater commitment to the company. Great places can create the conditions for happiness and fulfillment.Although your places may not have been perfect before the pandemics, they are crucial now that there is a talent revolution. Your work environment will be scrutinized by the people. This will include your culture and practices. Every detail counts in creating an employee experience that attracts, retains, and places people.