Three ways HR can boost happiness at work

By Swindon Link - 28 May 2019

Business

"Leadership is more than just being able to cross the t's and dot the i's. It's about character and integrity and work ethic." - Steve Largent

Mr. Steve Largent might be more famously known for his football antics but he sure does have a good sense of business too. Perhaps it was his football career that created his appreciation for teamwork, helping him to recognise that the performance of an organisation comes down to the personality of each and every employee.

With this stance in mind, there is simply no denying that the happier a person is, the better they will perform and the brighter the chances are that they will bring their own innovation to the table.

Back in the day the duties of human resource departments used to stop at administrative work but recently, they are expected to ensure that character, integrity, and work ethic are also taken care of in the workplace – this includes ensuring the “happiness” factor of employees.

The question is, however, what can HR do to ensure that everyone at work is, indeed, happy? Trying to find a HR software that is perfect for your company can be quite tricky if you don’t know the right people.

We bring to you the following three solutions:

1. Hire Happy Personalities

Happiness has the potential to spread like wildfire and sometimes it just takes one ray of sunshine to make smiling contagious. Employing individuals who are naturally happy will, however, take a little thought and preparation. When interviewing a potential candidate in the past, you probably focused on relevant experience and skill sets (and you are right to want those things for your company). But ignoring a person’s general character could be the biggest mistake you make. 

When interviewing someone, we suggest that you ask yourself the following questions:

  • Did the individuals come across as a positive or negative being?
  • Did they laugh often during the interview?
  • Did the smile?
  • Do they seem like they create and nurture relationships?

While a person’s paper track record remains important, if they are the type that will bring gloom and doom to the workplace then they will be more likely to kill productivity and motivation. A happy person will have the opposite effect.

2. Build Pride

When someone feels pride, they experience social worth. This, in turn, can boost one’s self-esteem and confidence. When it comes to an organization, the level of pride an employee has will affect their motivation and performance.

Here’s how you can help to build a sense of pride within the workplace:

  • Share positive news
  • Encourage employees to share their good news
  • Focus on what has been achieved, rather than what hasn’t
  • Praise effort and its results

3. Make Sure to Fall Out of Routine on the Odd Occasion

Routine is good but to fully appreciate it we need to break away from it on the odd occasion. At the same time, when we create perks or plan fun events, we can make the workplace happier. Why not make it a habit to treat your employees to something surprisingly good and fun. A day at the ice rink, a movie in the afternoon with popcorn, or a lunch-time BBQ perhaps? Anything you can think of to make individuals feel a little happier and relaxed.

Sources:

  • 3 Ways You Can Improve Your Team Happiness At Work. HR Zone
  • 7 Simple Ways To Cultivate A Happy Workplace. Hiring Monster
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