Happier workplaces are better for people and for business
21 Nov 2011 | Action for Happiness
* Only 2% of people say they work just to pay the bills;
Being happy at work is important for 90%. Yet over half of us are
unhappy at work
* Today Happy Ltd and Action for Happiness are launching
a new manifesto and calling for happier workplaces for
all
* The evidence is clear: Happy workplaces are the most
productive & successful
Today sees a call for radical change in the way we treat people
at work, as Henry Stewart, founder of Happy Ltd, and Action for Happiness launch a
new Manifesto for happier workplaces. A happy,
fulfilling work environment isn't just great for staff, it also
delivers huge benefits to business in terms of a more motivated
workforce, improved productivity and ultimately better long-term
financial performance.
"Imagine a workplace where you are energised and motivated by
being in control of the work you do", explains Henry. "Imagine you
are trusted and given freedom, with support, to decide how to
achieve results. Imagine you can get the life balance you want.
Imagine you are valued according to the work you do, not how many
hours you spend at the desk."
"Wouldn't you want to work in such a place? Wouldn't it also
enable you to work at your best and be most productive?"
An increasing number of companies are finding that focus on
creating a happy workplace is just about the most important thing
management can do:
This call for happier workplaces is part of a global movement
for change. In the US Tony Hsieh, who sold his shoe retailer Zappos
to Amazon for close to a billion dollars, has signed up thousands
to his Delivering Happiness approach. In Denmark Chief
Happiness Officer Alex Kjerulf has influenced many workplaces. In
India 80,000 strong HCL shares the philosophy of "Employees first, customers second".
10 Steps to a Great Workplace
The simple points that can change workplaces and make them good
places to be, and more productive too:
- Trust Your People. Step out of approval.
Instead pre-approve and focus on supporting your people.
- Make Your People Feel Good. Make this the
focus of management
- Give Freedom within Clear Guidelines. People
want to know what is expected of them. But they want freedom to
find the best way to achieve their goals
- Be Open and Transparent. More information
means more people can take responsibility
- Recruit for Attitude, Train for Skill. Instead
of qualifications and experience, recruit on attitude and potential
ability
- Celebrate Mistakes. Create a truly no-blame
culture
- Community: Create Mutual Benefit. Have a
positive impact on the world and build your organisation too
- Love Work, Get a Life. The world, and your
job, needs you well rested, well nourished and well supported
- Select Managers Who are Good at Managing. Make
sure your people are supported by somebody who is good at doing
that, and find other routes for those whose strengths are
elsewhere. Even better, allow people to choose their managers
- Play To Your Strengths. Make sure your people
spend most of their time doing what they are best at
---
"The Happy Manifesto: make your
organisation a great place to work - now" is being
launched on Monday 21st November, 6-8pm at Cass
Business School, 106 Bunhill Row, London. EC1Y 8TZ. Book tickets here.
"A wonderful book - a gripping read and so interesting, as well
as wise. It is truly inspiring" Professor Lord Richard
Layard
Henry Stewart is founder and CEO of
training company Happy Ltd. Happy have been rated the best company
in the UK for customer service (by Management Today) and one of the
best 20 workplaces in the UK for the last five years (Financial
Times / Great Place to Work Institute). Henry himself is a popular
business speaker and is listed in the guru radar
Tags:
Do things for others, At work