What Do Good Jobs and Happy Workplaces Look Like?

A recent report stating that 8 in 10 Singaporeans are happy with work-life balance drew online criticism.  On social media, netizens ridiculed the findings stating that those who surveyed were often happy with their big pay check, however many were unhappy about their happiness at work and work-life balance.

As happiness at work is studied more intensely, a query pops to mind: why cultivating a happy culture is important to Asian workplaces? Happiness is not just a pipe dream. To create a happy environment, it takes a strong top-down approach and bottom-up approach.

There are a field of studies devoted to “happiness at work” along with in-depth findings of what makes people happy. In the book “The Happiness Advantage,” author Shawn Achor laid out an abundance of scientific evidence proving that “happiness is the precursor to success, not merely the result.” The research shows that happiness among employees’ fuels performance and achievement, resulting in a competitive edge many companies crave.

However, even if the data points to why cultivating a happy culture is a smart growth strategy, many companies struggle with how to do so.

The art of achieving happiness such as employees finding joy with what they are doing and feeling good about their job, while being able to feel like they are giving back to this world requires a sustainable plan. Here are some ways to get started:

#1 The business of having good jobs

So what makes a job, good? The Department for Business Innovation & Skills review indicates the importance of wellbeing and workplace performance outlining 11 characteristics of a good job.

Many of these elements are logical such as: ownership and responsibility, variety in tasks, open communication, positive relations, learning, and a good balance between life and work. However, implementation is the next step for companies to ensure they create a culture of happiness. It requires a good company structure and the right culture to make sure they’re adequately implemented and not half-baked.

For each cluster – whether it is tech, sales, marketing or operations, have a dedicated happiness checklist to measure what constitutes career happiness for each individual. For enterprising occupations, highlight unique pathways that will turn each job and role into a treat beyond the usual job requirements.

Source: Elements of a good job: What Works Wellbeing

#2 Hire happy personalities

It is evident that a happy work culture attracts happy people. Hiring people who make a difference to your workplace environment will take some time and preparation. It is natural to come across people with the relevant experience and past achievements when interviewing a candidate, and you are right for wanting those things for your company, but ignoring a personality could be a mistake.

The best candidate on paper might be the worst person to bring into your organisation. Take a look at the other qualities and be aware of how you feel around this person. Do they highlight the positives or negatives? Do they have a certain energy to them? Do they seem like they care about relationships and people? Their past experiences in terms of performance is important, but a person that brings unhappiness to the workplace will kill productivity and motivation.

#3 Encourage meaningful conversations

How do you encourage meaningful conversations without the crossing the line between personal and professional authority? As it turns out, crossing the line isn’t the worst thing if you companies promote intellectual curiosity.

Having an office culture that encourages these conversations empowers employees to learn, feel challenged and explore the world. By having thought-starters before a meeting or even a ‘Friday Book Exchange Club’ promotes situations where employees attempt to reach a consensus over differing opinions.

#4 Get out of the usual work routine (occasionally)

Many multinational corporations often have a dedicated team focused on ensuring there are activities to keep their employees engaged. However, for nimble companies, they have a tendency to not focus on the big picture when they are really busy.

This is the reason why it’s important that you surprise your team members and go beyond your usual work routine. If you are not sure where to start, consider attending sporting events.

But if there are no major happenings taking place, consider meeting your team outside for a basketball match, their favourite lunch spot or tell everyone to start their Monday doing the one thing that brings them happiness.

Practice this and see yourself how refreshed your employees feel at work, allowing them to tackle every task with utmost productivity.

#5 Less micromanagement; more free rein

New research by Gallup shows that one of the true secrets to employee happiness and well-being is an acute sense of autonomy in daily operations. Micromanaging isn’t a necessary evil or an effective management style. It is a flawed method of operating that will poison your team and all their hard work.

People work best when they have some freedom over how and when they do the work. You may not be able to shut the doors off the schedule entirely, but it’s possible to interject a little more freedom. Knowing this, how do you incorporate autonomy in a static workplace?

For starters, companies can start introducing elements of autonomy as a reward to their employees for achieving a goal or exceeding expectations. For example, a manager may allow his/her top-performing workers to set their own hours (within reason).

Other cool ways to celebrate employees for a job well done could be a weekly “Crush It Call” where the team comes together to recognise other team members hard work over the last week.

#6 Explore other ways to create better work/life balance

Having a perfect work-life balance means every employee has a clear understanding that you value them and understand that they have a life outside their cubicle.

The modern workforce is now changing and the culture of work/life balance has become a priority. Ideas like work from home, unlimited vacation days, access to wellness programs, and other personal incentives shows employees that their leaders take a serious interest in improving their overall wellbeing.

There are countless ways to create a culture of happiness within your company. You just have to make it a priority and be willing to try new things to find something that works for you. You can break down happiness into four dimensions such as health, atmosphere, purpose and flow and work your way around this to evaluate happiness at work.

What suggestions do you have to make your company a better place to work? Don’t hesitate to share with us in the comments below. If you’re looking to hire people big on personality with the right skills, just drop us a line at The Edge.