Are workers clocking out for happiness?

Are workers clocking out for happiness?

2021 has been dubbed the year of the Great Resignation. But what’s behind this big wave of resignations and why does it feel different this time around?

One study by Aon and the Work Institute points to the fact that 3 out of 4 people leave their jobs voluntarily. In 2019, the total quit rate for all industries was 27.9%, which has steadily increased since 2015, when it was 23.7%. This indicates that it is not necessarily a new phenomenon, and most definitely a controllable phenomenon.

Another well-documented finding in the economics of subjective well-being is that the unemployed are significantly less happy than the employed. Unemployment causes stress, which ultimately has long-term physiological health effects and can have negative consequences for people’s mental health, including depression, anxiety and lower self-esteem. So, clearly people are not leaving to sit around and do nothing. While a short-term increase in savings during the pandemic has provided some economic cushion to the workforce, it is not indicative of long-term propensity to stay away from work.

So, if workers are not leaving to sit back and relax, why is there a mass exodus? Could lack of joy or happiness be at the heart of the problem?

Can we inject some happiness to make for a more enjoyable and satisfying work experience? In this short article we explore the elements of happiness and what might help create a culture of more happiness at work.?

No one size fits all for happiness, so what constitutes it?

When asked about what makes us happy, most people gravitate to answers like our family, friends, or perhaps even running or baking. It is rare for people to say it's their work that makes them happy. If a job takes up a third of our day, should it not be a place and/or an activity that makes us happy?

Chitroda lists the common characteristics influencing happiness: basic needs, autonomy, mastery, belonging, and abundance culture. Basic needs cover elements ranging from a fair salary to a transparent and enjoyable workspace. In particular, transparency creates credibility and trust within the work environment. Meanwhile, people also hold desires for their opinions to not only be voiced but be heard as well. As a matter of fact, they feel satisfied when they are able to refine their skills, connect with peers, and adopt gratitude and positivity. People thrive in a kind, welcoming environment where they are appreciated for their work. Zach Friedman, author of the book “The Lemonade Life,” also corroborates how expressing gratitude has health benefits.?

People feel happy when they have a specific purpose at work that their peers also find valuable and vital. Having good connections with peers helps people feel content at work and makes them feel included. Having a place where we can connect with mentors, like-minded peers and sponsors is becoming increasingly important as we enter this new era post pandemic. Engagement is also incredibly important as it opens up room for people to grow their strengths and improve on their weaknesses.?

According to UC Berkeley researchers happiness at work refers to the “overarching quality of life that is rich in a variety of emotions.” They distinguish this concept from a series of short-term positive feelings – they believe incidents of negative emotions such as anger or sadness could also contribute to happiness.?

With all of this said, the idea of happiness, especially at work, is amorphous and multidimensional. Different things can make different people happy; still, it is worthwhile to explore the common themes that make up workplace happiness.?

Our bet is with these three facets of happiness

We think employers and employees must focus on these three factors that will contribute to happiness at work:

1. Positive work culture and conditions: Both healthy work culture and workplace conditions certainly matter. Finding a job that matches personal priorities – whether they are high pay, good health insurance, ability to work remotely and flexibly, or something else – can have a meaningful impact on workplace happiness.?
2. Autonomy and ownership: The ability to make decisions autonomously leads to happier people.
3. Purpose: The idea of contributing to a greater good that goes beyond simply earning money could make for happier workers. Especially if this greater good is closely aligned with their core values.

Therefore, employees should focus on knowing their core values and see how these match with those of their employers. They must also think of what values align to their career North Star. ?A reflection on their career journey which includes successes, failures, direction, values, and the ability to maneuver through obstacles to pursue their goals, can prove very insightful.?

Employers on the other hand must make it a priority to focus on the elements of workplace happiness, choose the most important facets that align with their company values and bring their employees along in this journey by personalizing experiences.?

In conclusion, we can't place responsibility for happiness on any single person. To create a happy workplace, employers and employees must share this focus and work together to achieve it.

As most of wind down for the year, we hope our thoughts allow for reflections and dialogue.? We would love to hear your thoughts about the article so we learn together and make work more fun and happy in the coming years. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Authors: Julia Samoylenko & Anubhav Shrivastava

Sources:

1. https://financesonline.com/employee-turnover-statistics/
2. https://www.catalyst.org/research/turnover-and-retention/
3. https://worldhappiness.report/ed/2021/work-and-well-being-during-covid-19-impact-inequalities-resilience-and-the-future-of-work/
4. https://www.health.org.uk/publications/long-reads/unemployment-and-mental-health
5. https://www.knolskape.com/happiness-at-work-why-is-it-important/
6. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_four_keys_to_happiness_at_work
7. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2005-00155-006
8. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_four_keys_to_happiness_at_work