Overstressed Gen Z, Paint Party & Jules Ostin

Hello amazing people,

I am always so excited to bring a new edition of the Happiness At Work Newsletter on every Wednesday. It pushes me to read about new topics, make my own notes, and bring something worthwhile for you all! So, here I'm bringing you another edition of the newsletter - packed with fresh insights, intriguing stories, and practical tips to brighten up your work life.

Let's dive into the world of workplace happiness and keep our journey of joy and discovery rolling!

Paint Party

Last Saturday, we conducted a Paint party with some enthusiastic, artistic people and it was a blast! Sometimes the simplest activities elude us because we think it's too simple! But sometimes simplest activities give us unexpected joy, take our minds off things, and let us chill.

We can very well plan such fun activities for employee engagement as well.

Is Gen Z unable to manage work-related pressures and stress?

Kathleen Pike, a Columbia University psychology professor and president and CEO of One Mind at Work, told Business Insider that as discussions of mental health at work grow, young people are struggling to distinguish between normal emotions and mental illness.

She pointed out that Gen Z is not able to distinguish between good and bad stress.

Gen Z workers are losing sight that feeling stressed or sad are?"normal life experiences.

Kathleen Pike, a professor at Columbia, said these feelings of stress aren't necessarily signs of mental illness.

Feeling stressed out or anxious can actually help you focus or identify problems you can solve.

"We should all feel stressed sometimes," she said, explaining that it helps people to cognitively focus and complete tasks. Meanwhile, anxiety is a "useful cue" that can help you identify something wrong in your surroundings. But these feelings are not always indicators of serious mental illness.

So, if you are managing Gen Z employees or if you are Gen Z yourself, don't get scared of stress, take it as a part of your life and tackle it with your analytical skills.

Read the full article here

Character spotlight - Jules Ostin, from The Intern

Jules Ostin, from "The Intern," is the heart and soul behind her booming online fashion site. She's the epitome of a modern-day entrepreneur: creative, driven, and hands-on, often seen zipping through the office on a desk bike, her energy is infectious. Jules is known for her eye for detail, innovative ideas, and a genuine passion for both her product and her people. She's not just the boss; she's a mentor and a friend, often seen mingling with her employees, showing that she values their input and well-being.

But it's not all smooth sailing for Jules. Her dedication can sometimes cross into the realm of micromanaging, making it hard for her to delegate tasks and trust in her team's capabilities. This often leads to long hours and a blurred line between work and personal life, highlighting the classic startup culture conundrum. Despite these challenges, Jules's positive traits shine through. She's approachable, empathetic, and, most importantly, open to learning and growing from her experiences and those around her.

Jules embodies the spirit of a good boss by recognizing her flaws and working on them, rather than sweeping them under the rug. Her relationship with her intern, Ben, is a testament to her character. She's initially skeptical about the value an older intern can bring but soon realizes the wealth of wisdom and support Ben offers, breaking down the stereotype of the tech-savvy, younger entrepreneur who knows it all.

In essence, Jules from "The Intern" is a beacon of modern leadership, showing that while drive and passion are crucial, the ability to listen, adapt, and grow with your team is what truly makes a great boss.

Let's Chat

Alright, your turn! If you enjoy nostalgia, I found this page where we can see the internet like the old days! It's a fun trip to the old times. Check it out during your micro breaks! Do try it and tell me if you like it!

That's it from this time. This newsletter aims to initiate conversations about #happinessatwork as it's the future of work. I also believe in bringing new interesting topics and dope recommendations for you.

Keep It Hygge ideates and executes Happiness-at-work initiatives at various organizations. Get in touch with us. If you are looking for some unique, creative, and humane ideas and programs to increase the happiness quotient of your organization, hit us up!

If you like what you read, so share it with your colleagues, bosses, interns, clients, etc. See you next week.

Till then, Keep It Hygge!

Cheers,

AJ