HOW YOU CAN MAKE YOUR WORKPLACE HAPPIER

SPREAD HAPPINESS: MAKE YOUR WORKPLACE A CHEERFUL ENVIRONMENT

Research has shown that workers are more productive when they operate in a happy environment. Here are some things you can do as manager to lift spirits in your workplace.  

Use well-considered, positive language

Strong words create a negative mood. Communicate professionally, using rational language, no matter how badly you may feel inside.

Do not reprimand anyone in the presence of others   

The risk is that everyone that hears might think the message is for them, too. Even when done discretely, it must be about showing the right way rather than threatening or bashing.

Forgive and forget

Those who make mistakes must not be held prisoner forever. Remind them of their weakness one moment and act as though nothing happened the next.

Have a truly encouraging motto

The workplace mantra must be inclusive and totally upbeat. That is, something like:

Together, we will get there, rather than something like The hardworking will get there.  

Enjoy life

The office does not always have to be about papers and tenders (I really sweated with tenders as Sales Manager!). You could have, for example, a Crazy Friday, when all could dress as adventurously as they liked, and be treated to some free drinks and snacks. Not only would that be a release of pressure. It would also encourage freer mingling and promotion of a sense of sisterhood or brotherhood among workers, vital ingredients in making people live more merrily.  

Encourage everyone to appreciate others

There must be a deliberate policy of reminding employees that there is good in everyone and that all deserve appreciation.

Brighten up the offices with flowers

Place a vase of bright flowers in a central place where everyone can see and admire them. Flowers (and pictures of smiling faces) have great soothing and uplifting effects that suggest: Everything is alright. And so everything shall be!

Congratulate others on good work

People like their good deeds to be recognized. It could be as simple as, John, that was a well-written quotation!   

Be cheerful

As manager, it is important for you to radiate a positive mood. You have to be the happy-person-in-chief. It rubs off on all the others. Try to smile even when you do not really feel like it.

Keep bad times of the past buried in history

Do not keep reminding others of something that went wrong in the past. Talk about bad events gone by sparingly and only when absolutely necessary, or it could bring about an air of gloom.

Handle problems with a cool head

No matter how serious a problem, it is important to be level headed as you attempt to solve it. It sets the tone for others in similar situations in the future.

Celebrate happy occasions

Mark anniversaries, arrival of new babies and other important moments in the life of each employee with joyful get-togethers.

Finally, remember this...

·      

•   People like to see smiling faces.

•  People (without exception) are so in need of love. A smiling face tells them: You are loved. They feel happy. Love is the message we all want to receive; even though many of us are not even aware of it.

•  Happier people work harder and better. And they make others happier.

• And before you know it ... everyone around you is cheerful and working harder and better. Ultimately, you have a more productive workplace.

Do not underestimate the power of a smile! And hey, you do NOT have to be a manager to help make your environment joyful. Smile! Show a happy face!

Rupert Chimfwembe

May 28, 2018