Happy Smiley People
The correlation between staff enjoying their work and increased productivity has been extensively studied in the field of organisational psychology and management.
Research has shown that if we enjoy just three-quarters of the work we do and the office environment then we are four times more successful.
A great improvement for the company, but this also means that the staff retention rate is better than the average 15% loss per year and the office environment is a happier one all round.
So What Does The Research Say?
These are just a few examples of the research supporting the correlation between staff enjoying their work and increased productivity.
A study published in the ‘Journal of Vocational Behavior’ found that job satisfaction, which includes aspects related to enjoyment, is positively correlated with job performance and productivity. The researchers analysed data from over 200 studies and concluded that satisfied employees tend to be more productive in their roles.
Research conducted by the University of Warwick's ‘Department of Economics’ found that happy employees are on average 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. The study examined a large sample of employees and measured their happiness levels using different methods, including a randomised controlled trial.
A meta-analysis published in the ‘Journal of Applied Psychology’ reviewed 225 studies and found a positive relationship between job satisfaction and employee performance. The researchers found that satisfied employees exhibited higher levels of task performance, citizenship behaviour, and creativity, all of which contribute to increased productivity.
A study published in the ‘Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology’ examined the relationship between enjoyment of work and job performance. The researchers found that employees who reported higher levels of enjoyment in their work also had higher levels of task performance and creative problem-solving abilities.
The Gallup organisation has conducted extensive research on employee engagement and its impact on productivity. Their studies consistently show that engaged employees, who find their work enjoyable and fulfilling, are more likely to contribute to higher productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction levels within organisations.
Numerous other studies have shown similar findings, highlighting the importance of creating a positive work environment that fosters employee enjoyment, satisfaction, and engagement.
So How Do I Make My Organisation Happier?
Organisations can foster an environment where employees enjoy their work by:
Creating a positive organisational culture that values employee well-being, recognizes achievements, and promotes work-life balance.
Providing opportunities for skill development and growth, allowing employees to engage in tasks that align with their strengths and interests.
Encouraging open communication and feedback channels, ensuring that employees' voices are heard and their ideas are valued.
Offering incentives and rewards that acknowledge and appreciate employees' contributions.
Promoting work flexibility and autonomy, enabling employees to have a sense of control over their work processes.
Getting the right staff into the right roles that fit with their current strengths and their future potential further expands job satisfaction and promotes company loyalty. It is those employees that, when working together happily and effectively, will create sustainable growth with in the organisation.
So How Do Be Astute Work To Create Happier Workplaces?
We match people to the roles they will actual enjoy doing and be good at.
We use a a tool called Harrison Assessments. We use it to profile job roles and the people that fulfill those job roles.
Harrison Assessments uses enjoyment performance theory.
Enjoyment Performance Theory states that
“an individual will perform more effectively in a job if they enjoy the tasks required by that job, have interests that relate to the position, and have work environment preferences that correspond with the environment of the workplace”
By getting current staff to take Harrison Assessment tests we can help you:
Create great succession plans
Understand their training needs better
Develop great retention and engagement strategies
Understand and influence their company culture
Reduce conflict and stress levels
Understand how to get the best out of key staff
Happy smiling staff are more productive, create a more positive environment for you to bring potential customers into and attract great quality staff. All of which will lead to your company being a more successful, happier place.
Happy, Smiley People (perhaps) holding hands?