How does the science of happiness relate to managers, business owners and supervisors? According to an interesting article in Harvard Magazine, it’s all about creating a positive work environment. The article summarises a study that found happy people are more productive and take fewer sick days than those who are languishing or unhappy. It also points out that when people experience positive emotions at work, they are more likely to be innovative and come up with new ideas.

So how can you – as a positive leader – create turn the science into practical action? Here’s what the authors of The Science of Happiness suggest.

 Express appreciation and gratitude

Regularly give feedback on performance and express gratitude. Remember rewards can be social and emotional, as well as financial. And, of course, show people that you care about them as individuals, not just employees.

Encourage interaction

Help people to work together and share ideas. This makes each person feel part of a larger community. Allow people to spend social time and relax together, too. This builds team spirit and helps beat stress before it sets in.

Link goals to a higher purpose
Too many managers focus on business outcomes, rather than higher purpose. Yet the evidence is clear: connecting your goals to something that matters is the way to make people in your business thrive. Make sure everyone knows not only what they are meant to do, but how their efforts will make a difference.

Foster trust

Show that you care about your people by listening to their ideas and being open to new ways of doing things. Make sure everyone has the tools, resources and support they need to do their jobs well. Make feedback an everyday occurrence. And monitor your positivity ratios. The more positive moments your people experience, the more trust will gro.

If you’re a business owner or supervisor, these are all things that should be on your to do list. Every day.  They’re not part of the HR plan or an annual appraisal system. They’re simple habits that will make your business thrive.

Find out more in the original article here: https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2007/01/the-science-of-happiness.html

This article summary was created by Eleanor Shakiba

Eleanor is a leadership trainer, success coach and people skills expert. She helps managers and business owners build thriving teams and organisations, using tools from Positive Psychology. She's trained more than 60,000 people during her career as a corporate trainer and professional development consultant. Her mission is inspiring talented people to become leaders who make a difference.