The last week of September marks ‘International Week of Happiness at Work’. The initiative began in the Netherlands in 2018 and has grown to include 350 companies in 50 countries by 2024. “Happy employees are healthier, more engaged, work better together, and are more productive,” say the organisers, Happy Office.  They encourage organisations and their employees to take stock of their workplace wellbeing – and whether they need to make happiness a priority.  

What is International Week of Happiness at Work?

International Week of Happiness at Work is a time for focussing on job satisfaction whether you work for a boutique company, family business, or large conglomerate. With so much of our lives spent at work, it’s worthwhile cultivating a positive work environment for yourself and those around you – even if you work from home.

Happy Workers, Happy Business

Many cultures drive the “all work and no play” philosophy. Long hours, demanding jobs and tight deadlines can lead to low employee morale and even burnout.

Belgium and Portugal have led the charge against invasive work practices by banning employers from contacting their workers outside office hours – bar genuine emergencies. The “right to disconnect” is also recognised in Ireland, France, Italy and Spain. Employees’ personal life away from work is ringfenced. 

These European employers recognise that investing in workplace happiness gives you a positive ROI in the form of:

• Increased productivity
• Loyalty to the organisation. Your employees will go the extra mile to help the company achieve its goals.
• Positive effects on mental health leading to improved attendance
• Engaged staff who are willing to give time and energy to work projects
• High employee retention.

Clearly, happy employees are great for business.

Start Your Journey to a Happier Workplace Now

Happiness at work is not solely the responsibility of employers. Everyone can contribute to a positive company culture. There are things you can commit to doing daily, weekly, and monthly to help improve your workplace wellbeing. 

If you aren’t sure where your satisfaction levels lie, take Alison’s Workplace Wellbeing Assessment. This free psychometric test is designed to help you to understand and improve your cognitive, emotional and physical wellbeing and workplace stressors.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Add to your ongoing professional development with a course like Supervision Skills – Managing Employee Performance. It is packed with tips on encouraging and motivating your teams. You can also:

• Celebrate events, milestones, achievements and occasions. Employees need to know that they just aren’t work-horses but are seen and valued as individuals. 
• Provide feedback. When you give your employees constructive feedback, they know what areas to focus on and improve. Your team feel acknowledged and appreciated and ultimately, happier. 
• Host social gatherings. This will help strengthen relationships and a sense of connection. Why not consider letting staff knock off early on Fridays, typically the least productive time of the week?
• Host webinars. Prioritise mental and physical wellbeing by inviting guest speakers to give talks or workshops.
• Ask staff what they need to be happier at work. An anonymous survey is one option. Be open to receiving feedback about changes to the workplace culture.

5 Steps to Happiness for Employees

When you’re happy at work, you’re well on your way to having a healthy work-life balance. There are some simple steps you can take to improve your situation.

1. Help someone. There’s a proverb that says, “It’s better to give than receive.” Research supports this and shows that when you help others, it can help your self-confidence and boost your level of happiness.
2. Set goals. Focus and prioritise your goals and tasks. This will help reduce your stress levels, which can add to feeling unhappy.
3. Socialise. Have lunch with friends, family or workmates, away from your desk.
4. Take breaks. Long work hours can take their toll on you, both mentally and physically. It’s important to take regular breaks during the workday. Also take your annual vacation to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate. A rested mind, body, and soul lead to happiness.
5. Invest in yourself. Study further if you want to advance at work. Exercise. Practise mindfulness and maintain a healthy and nutritious diet.

Happiness is not a destination, but a journey. Be intentional about cultivating a happy life – at home and at work. If, on reflection, you decided that you need to shift direction to find fulfillment, Alison’s comprehensive Career Guide provides information on thousands of career pathways, including average salaries and course recommendations. If you need help with your CV, the free Resumé Builder has everything you need.

As the late Steve Jobs once said: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” That just may be where we can find the seeds of happiness. 

Free Resources from Alison

Realise your career dreams with a free Workplace Personality Test. Explore your character; discover your professional strengths and weaknesses and find your perfect career match. Upskill with personalised course recommendations.

Aptitude Test – Assess your verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning skills. Course recommendations will help you improve in your areas of weakness.