Happy Work Places

Being happy in a work environment should not be taken too lightly.  Studies have shown over the years that high performing employees are also typically happy employees.  Did you know that happy employees take one tenth the sick leave of their least happy peers?  Are six times more energized in the workplace; intend to stay twice as long in the organization, especially millennials; are twice as productive.

iOpener Institute conducts data studies and did one on happiness in the workplace.  Their Performance-Happiness Model is made up of five components

• Contribution - what you do (I add, ask yourself "is what I docontributing to the organization?"
• Conviction - short-term motivation ("what is your short term motivation?")
• Culture - feeling of being a good fit with the company or organization (ask yourself - "is this culture a good fit for me?")
• Commitment - your long term engagement (ask yourself  - "what would I like to be part of here long term?)
• Confidence - self-belief (I am confident in my abilities and value I bring to this organization)

It's the job of the leadership team and human resources to constantly work on creating a better work culture. Part of this includes understanding how people deal with change (which is unique for everybody), continually allowing and encouraging open dialog on topics that matter to the company and keeping everyone informed.

Zappos is the prime example of a happy company. Check out their culture on their website.