Happy people, more productive… and sustainable organizations*
Recent studies, such as the “Global Workplace Happiness Survey”, reveal a direct correlation between workplace happiness and productivity. The findings highlight that happy employees are indeed more productive. But that’s not all: they are more engaged, resilient, creative, positive, and have fewer absences. Compelling reasons why organizational happiness is gaining traction among those seeking stronger cultures, more sustainable practices, and attractive benefits for new generations of talent.
Creating a culture where happiness is possible – individually and collectively – delivers tangible and intangible benefits for employees and organizations. Let’s take a closer look:
- Focus on Results: When employees feel happy, they naturally connect with the company’s purpose and their team members, becoming more motivated to overcome challenges and achieve results. Daily tasks are no longer seen as burdens but stepping stones toward a shared goal.
- Talent Retention: In an era where retaining talent is constantly challenging, providing a positive and inclusive work environment makes all the difference. Companies prioritizing employee well-being reduce turnover and recruitment pressures, enabling HR teams to focus on retention and development initiatives.
- Innovation and Creativity: A safe environment where mistakes are viewed as part of the process fosters a 15% increase in the generation of innovative ideas. The freedom to fail unleashes creativity, leading to solutions that positively transform organizations, as highlighted in Amy C. Edmondson’s book “The Fearless Organization”.
- Mental Health: Investing in employee well-being and happiness helps combat one of today’s biggest workplace crises: burnout. Healthier employees – mentally and physically—tend to be more dynamic, engaged, and contribute to a more positive and resilient work environment, benefiting the entire organization.
Happiness as a driver of sustainability
Employees who feel valued and happy enhance their performance and that of their organization and contribute to broader, shared goals. Organizational happiness goes beyond immediate results, supporting global missions like those reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Workplace happiness aligns with the SDGs focused on People, Planet, and Prosperity. When we talk about People, we refer to investing in employees’ physical and mental health, something fostered in a safe, healthy, and welcoming environment where individuals can reach their full potential. These practices are essential for promoting good health and well-being (SDG 3), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and reducing inequalities (SDG 10).
Concerning the Planet, organizational happiness encourages sustainable practices. It promotes responsible consumption and climate action (SDGs 12 and 13), through initiatives such as eco-friendly office practices or achieving a balance between personal and professional spheres.
Under the pillar of Prosperity, companies that invest in quality education (SDG 4) and their professionals’ continuous development enhance the workforce’s quality. Moreover, happy employees are more innovative and committed to organizational development, contributing to innovation and economic growth (SDG 9).
Workplace happiness is far more than a matter of personal satisfaction. Creating an environment where the “I” thrives while contributing to the collective “we” paves the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for everyone.
*This article was originally published in HR Portugal.
