Are Happier People Better in the Workforce?
Written by Elaine Wilson, Posted on
A new scientific study preformed by the University of Warwick has insisted that employees who are happier also work better. For those of us who have been employees for a long time, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise.
Still, the study is important as those in charge of larger cooperations and businesses will hopefully take notice. Three male scientists conducted the research and say that happiness made people 12% more productive. The company of Google itself has proven this over time as their own studies have helped them to optimize their working space. They have slides, treadmill desks, cafés, nap pods and free meals. Google insists on keeping their workers happy, and one of the scientists behind Warwick’s study agrees.
Professor Andrew Oswald said on the University’s website, “Companies like Google have invested more in employee support and employee satisfaction has risen as a result. For Google, it rose by 37%, [and] they know what they are talking about. Under scientifically controlled conditions, making workers happier really pays off.”
What about our slides and snack bar?
For the rest of us who don’t work at Google, what can be done? I, for one, love my current job and this makes my work environment ideal. I find that my writing is much better when I am surrounded by the coworkers that I love to heckle and collaborate with. Our office has open doors between all of us where shouting ideas is allowed and camaraderie encouraged.
Oswald and his colleagues are hoping the study will encourage all employers to change their workspaces in order to accommodate their employees and make life better for all involved. Perhaps more perks such as snacks, drinks, work-sponsored passes to fitness centers? Paid holidays for more people? Happier employees means more work done, and even done more willingly. More work done means a more successful business and, presumably, happier employers.
Dr. Oswald’s partner, Dr. Eugenio Porto, hopes that this will send a positive and encouraging message to all businesses:
“We have shows that happier subjects are more productive. The same pattern appears n four different experiments. This research will provide some guidance for management in all kinds of organizations. They should strive to make their workplaces emotionally healthy for their workforce.”
