Fueling Engagement: Why Employee Happiness Starts with Autonomy

"Why should I care about my employees' happiness?" you may wonder. Here's the deal: the workplace has a sneaky way of infiltrating every nook and cranny of our lives. It impacts our #financialwellness, #stresslevels, relationships—everything. Your employees may not feel they can control many things in their lives, so when you give them #autonomy over some aspects of their job, you’ll likely raise the happiness levels in your organization.

Your employees probably know their jobs better than you know how they conduct their day-to-day activities. When employees have a sense of autonomy, they have the freedom and authority to make decisions, take ownership of their work, and have a say in how tasks are accomplished. This empowerment leads to several positive outcomes contributing to overall happiness, #employeeengagement, and #employeeretention.

Here's why...

It fosters a sense of control and personal agency. Employees feel empowered and valued when they can make choices and have a voice in their work. This sense of control over their own professional lives enhances their motivation, satisfaction, and engagement. It creates a sense of ownership and pride in their work, leading to greater fulfillment and happiness.

It allows individuals to align their work with their strengths, preferences, and styles. When employees have the freedom to choose how they approach tasks or solve problems, they can leverage their unique skills and talents. This alignment between their work and strengths enhances their performance and boosts their confidence and job satisfaction. Employees feel a sense of authenticity and fulfillment when they can work in a way that resonates with them, contributing to their overall happiness.

It nurtures creativity and innovation. When employees are free to explore new ideas and take risks, it sparks their creativity and encourages them to think outside the box. The opportunity to innovate and contribute to meaningful work cultivates a sense of purpose and excitement. This sense of fulfillment and the ability to impact their work environment significantly enhances employee happiness.

Backing up these findings, a study that followed people over time found that those who were generally positive and happy had jobs that gave them more freedom, meaning, and variety about a year and a half later (Staw et al., 1994). Another study by Verkley and Stolk (1989) showed that happy people were less likely to lose their jobs in the following period. And get this: unemployed folks with a positive outlook on life were more likely to find a job again than unhappy folks. Even when they considered factors like how long they were unemployed and their health, the effects of feeling good about life were still there.

So, how can you inject autonomy into your workplace?

Embrace Flexibility: In a post-pandemic economy, #remotework is no longer a “nice to have”; it’s an expectation. Although this might not be an option for everyone, where it's feasible, give your employees options as to where and when they get their jobs done. Establish some "core hours" when your team needs to be available, but let them decide the nitty-gritty of their schedule. Maybe offer choices like the classic 9-to-5 or the early bird special of 7-to-3. Granting this flexibility can do wonders for their work-life balance and overall happiness.

Listen Up: Your employees are the true experts in their roles, so don't miss out on the opportunity to tap into their brilliance! When they come to you with suggestions or fresh perspectives, lend them an ear. Actively listening and incorporating their insights shows that you value their contributions and opens the door for innovation. Their ideas might be the secret sauce to take your organization to new heights!

Celebrate Like a Champion: Recognizing your employees' achievements is like giving them a warm, fuzzy hug of happiness. It's no secret that #positivereinforcement goes a long way in creating a motivated and engaged workforce. So, be generous with your praise, whether it's a simple "great job!" or a more formal recognition program. Aim for a positivity overload by following Marcial Losada’s advice—a 6:1 ratio of positive feedback to constructive criticism. Let those good vibes flow!

By embracing autonomy, you unlock the hidden potential of #employeehappiness. Use these ideas to create a workplace where autonomy thrives, your team feels heard and valued, and achievements are celebrated with gusto. Get ready to witness the magic as happiness through autonomy becomes the driving force behind your team's success!