The Importance of Employee Happiness: A Personal, Professional, and Systemic Reflection

Now that I’m 8 months out of the corporate world and doing my own thing, I’m reflecting a lot on where I’ve come from and where I’m going.

At times, this is bringing up a lot of emotion.

I’ve been in the financial services industry, mainly insurance, for around 25 years.? Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud that I’m an actuary, and I’m proud of the work that I’ve done within Risk management which I see as keeping people safe.?

I remember from around 2006 – 2018, I took immense pride that I'd only taken one day sick leave, and that was because I was sent home from the office (I was really ill!). Even then, I worked from home.? I’d lost my voice, but I could still send emails.

This constant stress affected my performance, strained relationships, and hurt my mental health. ?I remember during 2021, I worked until November before taking a holiday – I basically burnt out, took a brief holiday to "recover", but then spend the break dreading my return to the office.

I realise that even in January this year, I had achilles surgery, and was told to stay off work for at least 2 weeks, and stay immobile. I had surgery on Thursday, I took Friday off, and I started checking emails on Monday.

Wednesday/Thursday the same week I wrote and presented hour long webinars (ironically on Emotional Intelligence), and went into the office on crutches one week after surgery, just before I left for good, to hand back my laptop.

Only now, with a new perspective from my current role—helping companies operate efficiently—I see how misguided that was.? Despite having many great colleagues, I realise I was deeply unhappy for a long time. I think I was scared to focus on more wellbeing, in case I’d be seen as weak.? It's more than clocking off at 6pm.

I really think we become blind to how bad things become and how we feel. While I spoke of the benefits of wellbeing while at work, I don't think I was very self applicable to that.

After reflecting and diving into research on workplace wellbeing, I realised there’s a better way. As Arianna Huffington said,

"We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in." ?? - Arianna Huffington

The Power of Happiness at Work ??

Research shows employee happiness is not just a bonus—it’s critical for individual fulfilment and organisational success. Systemic coaching, which views organisations as interconnected systems, plays a crucial role in fostering this happiness.

Here are some key insights on why happiness at work matters:

1. Happier Employees Are More Productive ???

?? Happy employees can be up to 20% more productive. Systemic coaching creates environments where employees can thrive, boosting overall productivity.

2. Reduced Turnover and Greater Loyalty ???

?? Employee happiness reduces turnover, saving on recruitment costs and strengthening loyalty. Systemic coaching helps reinforce how this loyalty impacts the entire organisation.

3. Creativity and Innovation Flourish ???

?? A positive environment enhances creativity and innovation. Systemic coaching encourages collaboration and connectedness, driving innovation.

4. Better Health and Fewer Sick Days ???

?? Happier employees are healthier, reducing absenteeism. As Huffington also said, "Well-being is not just a ‘nice to have’, but a ‘must-have’ for success."?

5. Connectedness Fuels Purpose ???

?? Employees who feel connected to colleagues and a larger purpose are more engaged. Systemic coaching aligns individual roles with the broader mission, enhancing belonging and motivation.

6. Work-Life Balance Is Essential ???

?? Promoting work-life balance leads to healthier environments. Burnout shouldn’t be the price of success. Prioritising balance leads to sustainable productivity and wellbeing.

Key Takeaways ??

- Happiness Drives Success: Happier employees are more productive, innovative, and committed to the organisation.

- Connection Matters: Systemic coaching aligns personal and organisational goals, enhancing engagement.

- Self-Care is Key: Personal wellbeing is vital for long-term success.

- Wellbeing is a Strategic Priority: Companies that invest in employee happiness see improved performance, loyalty, and innovation.

?

Reflecting on where I am now compared to where I was, I’m only starting to understand how important happiness and wellbeing is in the workplace.

Systemic coaching has taught me that no part of an organisation operates in isolation. When we focus on interconnectedness and employee wellbeing, everyone benefits. ??

I personally now prioritise my sleep, my nutrition, my exercise and my relationships.? There's another post here if you do want to see a comprehensive analysis of my Oura, Concept2 Log, Withings report, and analysis of blood panels for the for the past 4 years ??. All areas are at the peak they've ever been.

Success is not only money, it’s that balance of those areas that give you the life you want.

Let’s prioritise employee happiness—because when employees are happy, the entire organisation thrives. ??

Sources:

1.??????? Wellsteps.com

2.??????? Worktechacademy.com

3.??????? Researchgate.net

4.??????? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10372227/

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Richard Galbraith MSc FIA CERA ACC is a certified ICF Leadership Coach, with a focus on Systemic Coaching and Systemic Team Coaching.

You can work with Richard directly through Clandestine Coaching Limited, or via his associate partners Leading Figures or Coaching With Chemistry.

Richard is pleased to be able to offer Team and Systemic Coaching for organisations, teams and leaders.? Please contact me for a no-obligation discussion on how this can Support leaders in connecting dots that empower personal, team & business performance & growth.?

He is currently looking for teams to work from October to offer Team & Systemic Coaching to support further accreditation at Henley Business School.

For more information, email Richard on [email protected] or message on LinkedIn.