These days, people are finding it harder to be happy at work. Employee happiness has plummeted at a rate 10 times faster than previous years, according to research from human resources platform BambooHR.
It’s hard to be happy at work with the lingering fear that you will be laid off. To be competitive in the new artificial intelligence-driven economy and workplace, companies are pulling resources from non-priority departments and reallocating it toward generative AI-first projects and hiring.
Workers who report negative attitudes about their jobs believe they are inconsequential to their co-workers and employers, feel micromanaged by their bosses, worry that they are not valued in the workplace and fear new tech will make them obsolete within the next 10 years, a study by the American Psychological Associate found.
This weakened workplace morale costs the global economy $8.8 trillion in lost productivity. One solution to help tackle low job satisfaction and enhance employee experience is to appoint a “Chief Happiness Officer.”
The CHO
A number of companies have implemented executive-level roles dedicated to prioritizing employee happiness, such as Google, Coca-Cola, TikTok, EY, Deloitte, SAP and others, according to Business.com. The responsibilities of a CHO include measuring employee happiness and identifying potential weak spots, designing plans to boost workplace morale, conducting training on effective leadership and communication and focusing on employee retention, productivity and personalized experiences.
Some key skills required for a CHO include a high quotient of emotional intelligence and empathy, as well as strong social and communications skills. CHOs are trained to look for warning signs that an employee has negative feelings toward work, such as absenteeism, missing deadlines, showing up late to meetings, logging out early and displaying aggressive or erratic behaviors toward staff.
The happiness officers conduct microsurveys, stay interviews and hold focus groups to extract feedback, which can be used to implement new policies and procedures that can help workers feel more engaged.
As drivers of workplace happiness, these professionals ensure that the company exhibits a culture of belonging, transparency, psychological safety and social recognition. To feel engaged at work, employees desire competitive compensation, clearly outlined expectations and goals, mentorship opportunities and a path for career advancement.
However, not everyone wants the same things. It’s essential for CHOs to tailor their help toward each individual’s needs. Empathetic, trusting leaders must offer flexible work arrangements and give employees the choice to work where, when and how they do their best work.
How You Can Create Your Own Happiness At Work
In addition to your organization appointing a designated professional to ensure your workplace satisfaction, you can also cultivate a happier and more fulfilling work experience, enhancing your overall well-being, engagement and productivity.
Strategies To Implement
- Find ways to make your work have meaning and serve a larger purpose, which can lead to a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
- Place boundaries between work and life, so you can have a higher quality of life.
- Make a habit of cultivating happiness into your daily job by focusing on the present and not dwelling on the past or future.
- Choosing to be happy at work requires avoiding co-workers who are negative, condescending and take delight in spreading rumors and gossip.
- Celebrate your achievements and milestones at work.
- Surround yourself with coworkers who share your values and interests to create a positive work environment.
- Take breaks and practice deep breathing to relax and recharge during the workday.
- Engage in activities that boost your mood, such as taking a walk, meditating or engaging in laughter and positive interactions with colleagues.
Source: Forbes
