Top 10 reasons why happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster
Lisa was falling behind at work. Every morning she woke up nervous about the workday ahead of her. Every evening she went home thinking of all the tasks she hadn’t gotten around to.
Lisa is a 35-year old engineer and project manager at a Danish IT company. With business booming, keeping up had become a struggle - she felt she had to run really fast, to just to stay in place.
With her in-box overflowing and people all around her clamoring for assistance on their projects, she started to look at various productivity tools and systems and quickly settled on the one she’d use. As is typical for Lisa, once she’s decided to do something, she does it, and with new ways of tracking time, improved todo-lists and prioritizing her work, she did notice that she was getting more work done.
But she still felt, that she could be more productive. While she was thinking about her next step, it struck her: Some of what she did, she hated doing.
While she generally enjoyed her job, especially helping people plan their projects and advising them on the best ways to move forward, some of her tasks were administrative in nature. Tracking progress, updating various statics, generating reports, etc… . They didn’t take up that much of her time - but they were a lot less fun. Let’s face it: to Lisa, they were boring as hell.
She talked to her boss about it, and they decided to give those tasks to a project secretary. This freed up a little time for Lisa, but mostly it allowed her to work on those parts of her job that she really liked. Consequently Lisa became a lot happier at work - and THAT’S when her productivity sky-rocketed. Now she had the energy to connect with her people and the creativity to think up and implement new ideas. Instead of feeling stressed and harried, she was optimistic and positive.
While her productivity system had definitely helped her get more done, the productivity boost she got from being happy at work was many times bigger. Lisa is now working way less hours - and getting much more done. And most importantly, she’s enjoying work a lot more!
If you want to get more done at work, the productivity gurus out there will tell you that it’s all about having the right system. You need to prioritize your tasks, you must keep detailed logs of how you spend your time, todo-lists are of course essential, you must learn to structure your calendar and much, much more.
But that’s not where you should start. You should start by liking what you do.
The single most efficient way to increase your productivity is to be happy at work. No system, tool or methodology in the world can beat the productivity boost you get from really, really enjoying your work.
I’m not knocking all the traditional productivity advice out there - it’s not that it’s bad or deficient. It’s just that when you apply it in a job that basically doesn’t make you happy, you’re trying to fix something at a surface level when the problem goes much deeper.
Here are the 10 most important reasons why happiness at work is the #1 productivity booster.
1: Happy people work better with others
Happy people are a lot more fun to be around and consequently have better relations at work. This translates into:
- Better teamwork with your colleagues
- Better employee relations if you’re a manager
- More satisfied customers if you’re in a service job
- Improved sales if you’re a sales person
2: Happy people are more creative
If your productivity depends on being able to come up with new ideas, you need to be happy at work. Check out the research of Teresa Amibile for proof. She says:
If people are in a good mood on a given day, they’re more likely to have creative ideas that day, as well as the next day, even if we take into account their mood that next day.
There seems to be a cognitive process that gets set up when people are feeling good that leads to more flexible, fluent, and original thinking, and there’s actually a carryover, an incubation effect, to the next day.
3: Happy people fix problems instead of complaining about them
When you don’t like your job, every molehill looks like a mountain. It becomes difficult to fix any problem without agonizing over it or complaining about it first. When you’re happy at work and you run into a snafu - you just fix it.
4: Happy people have more energy
Happy people have more energy and are therefore more efficient at everything they do.
5: Happy people are more optimistic
Happy people have a more positive, optimistic outlook, and as research shows (particularly Martin Seligman’s work in positive psychology), optimists are way more successful and productive. It’s the old saying “Whether you believe you can or believe you can’t, you’re probably right” all over again.
6: Happy people are way more motivated
Low motivation means low productivity, and the only sustainable, reliable way to be motivated at work is to be happy and like what you do. I wrote about this in a previous post called Why “motivation by pizza” doesn’t work.
7: Happy people get sick less often
Getting sick is a productivity killer and if you don’t like your job you’re more prone to contract a long list of diseases including ulcers, cancer and diabetes. You’re also more prone to workplace stress and burnout.
One study assessed the impact of job strain on the health of 21,290 female nurses in the US and found that the women most at risk of ill health were those who didn’t like their jobs. The impact on their health was a great as that associated with smoking and sedentary lifestyles (source).
8: Happy people learn faster
When you’re happy and relaxed, you’re much more open to learning new things at work and thereby increasing your productivity.
9: Happy people worry less about making mistakes - and consequently make fewer mistakes
When you’re happy at work the occasional mistake doesn’t bother you much. You pick yourself up, learn from it and move on. You also don’t mind admitting to others that you screwed up - you simply take responsibility, apologize and fix it. This relaxed attitude means that less mistakes are made, and that you’re more likely to learn from them.
10: Happy people make better decisions
Unhappy people operate in permanent crisis mode. Their focus narrows, they lose sight of the big picture, their survival instincts kick in and they’re more likely to make short-term, here-and-now choices. Conversely, happy people make better, more informed decisions and are better able to prioritize their work.
The upshot
Think back to a situation where you felt that you were at peak performance. A situation where your output was among the highest and best it’s ever been. I’m willing to bet that you were working at something that made you happy. Something that you loved doing.
There’s a clear link between happiness at work and productivity. This only leaves the question of causation: Does being productive make us happy or does being happy make us productive? The answer is, of course, yes! The link goes both ways.
But the link is strongest from happiness to productivity - which means that it if you want to be more productive, the very best thing you can do is focus on being happy with what you do?
So how do you get to be happy at work? There are two ways, really:
- Get happy in the job you have. There are about a million things you can do to improve your work situation - provided you choose to do something, rather than wait for someone else to come along and do it for you.
- Find a new job where you can be happy. If your current job is not fixable, don’t wait - move on now!
Related:
Barry Bell Said,
March 27, 2007 @ 11:33 am
Great article - and yep, the whole happiness at work being a productivity booster seems obvious when you really think about it.
B
Pedro e o Blog | Benefícios Said,
March 27, 2007 @ 2:26 pm
[...] Sem dúvida que alguns benefícios podem trazer alguma felicidade e qualidade de vida. Como consequência desses efeitos, um trabalhador pode realmente ser mais produtivo se estiver mais feliz. [...]
Scott Said,
March 27, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
Mmmm - had a conversation at work today revolving around that happiness is not required - merely an exchange of time for money. Pretty bleak outlook but interesting.
The two ways to improve are easy to say but difficult for many. The old parable of you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink, comes to mind.
Igor Said,
March 27, 2007 @ 2:43 pm
The anecdote in the beginning just made me feel bad for the secretary. Instead of facing up to the crummy parts of her job, Lisa dumped those tasks on a subordinate. While this may make Lisa happy it does not mean that the subordinate is happy, if she works less hours, someone obviously works more. Sure the secretary may enjoy putting together reports, but that is as unlikely as it is likely. I think that people should make the best of the boring parts of an otherwise fulfilling job.
Especially consider Lisa’s job as a project manager; tracking progress, updating various statics, generating reports are essential parts of her job title, perhaps she would be happier in another position where creative managing is more paramount and tracking and reporting are less so.
The Internet Journalist » The Biggest Productivity Improver? Said,
March 27, 2007 @ 5:00 pm
[...] from here [...]
Jawahar Said,
March 27, 2007 @ 7:21 pm
Hapiness? It’s quite simple. Practice Altruism.
Jawahar Said,
March 27, 2007 @ 7:21 pm
Happiness? It’s quite simple. Practice Altruism.
Alexander Said,
March 27, 2007 @ 8:11 pm
Barry: Yeah, doesn’t it?
Scott: That is bleak. I believe that work is about fun first and money second. I also believe that there needn’t be any conflict between the two.
Of course it can be very difficult to get people to actually do something about it - but I did run into a guy the other day who told me he quit his last job partly because of something he read on my blog :o)
Igor: I agree, if you’re just dumping your lousy tasks on someone else, little is gained. But remember that what one person hates, another may really looooove doing.
Jawahar: It’s certainly one of the best ways.
Jaizki Said,
March 27, 2007 @ 10:05 pm
Great post!
Long time ago I wrote a post about doing what you enjoy or what you’re best at (in Spanish sorry!), my conclusion was that you’re best at what you enjoy doing.
viji Said,
March 28, 2007 @ 6:12 am
Excellent post Alex. Well said. Viji
digger Said,
March 28, 2007 @ 4:47 pm
Happiness at work is difficult to achieve, sometimes. I’ve had obstacles, such as office politics and indifference. However, I’ve found out that happiness starts within me. It doesn’t matter if my colleagues are happy or not.
As long as I am happy and able to do my job, I’m productive..
Thanks for the article…
Michael Galpert Said,
March 28, 2007 @ 5:38 pm
I think this is one of the reason google has had such success b/c from what i hear they try to create a happy environment
Steve Roesler Said,
March 28, 2007 @ 7:04 pm
Hi, Alex,
OK, now we have to help people identify just what Happiness or Satisfaction means to them.
I do what I do because it brings me joy. But I had to have a long talk with myself about that first.
Stay happy!
Before you activate Plan B, consider your work attitude - The itzBig Blog - Serving the Unserved – Recruiters, Job Seekers, Quiet Working Professionals Said,
March 28, 2007 @ 10:13 pm
[...] Sure, that may sound like sort of abstract advice, but you should think about it as a specific, proactive tactic. on Alexander Kjerulf’s blog, Chief Happiness Officer, he argues that: “The single most efficient way to increase your productivity is to be happy at work. No system, tool or methodology in the world can beat the productivity boost you get from really, really enjoying your work.” (read the full post here). [...]
12 ways to pimp your office Said,
March 28, 2007 @ 11:41 pm
[...] Top 10 reasons why happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster [...]
tv izle Said,
March 29, 2007 @ 9:35 pm
Excellent post Alex. That is wonderfull.
Happiness is the Best Productivity Tool - lifehack.org Said,
March 30, 2007 @ 3:49 pm
[...] Top 10 reasons why happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster - [PositiveSharing] digg_url = ‘http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/happiness-is-the-best-productivity-tool.html’; ( function() { var ds=typeof digg_skin==’string’?digg_skin:”; var h=80; var w=52; if(ds==’compact’) { h=18; w=120; } var u=typeof digg_url==’string’?digg_url:(typeof DIGG_URL==’string’?DIGG_URL:window.location.href); document.write(”"); } )() Author: Craig Childs Posted: Friday, March 30th, 2007 at 9:49 am Tags: happiness, happy, productivity Share This [...]
JamesT Said,
March 30, 2007 @ 4:02 pm
Happiness certainly is an underrated productivity tool. When I’m on my way to work with a smile on my face, I know my to-do list is in for a beating when I get to work. Thankfully I do something I enjoy, so that’s a great way to stay happy!
Susan Sabo Said,
March 30, 2007 @ 4:06 pm
Hey Alex ~
I can’t agree with you more. Your whole premise of being happy - how radical! How spot-on!
Just found your website via Lifehack where I am a guest writer. My blog - http://www. productivitycafe.com has Friday @ Five with ideas for rejevenation on the weekends… recognizing that being rested is also key for productivity.
I’m signing up for your RSS feed… namaste!
Susan S.
Caution Ahead Said,
March 31, 2007 @ 8:39 pm
[...] Top 10 reasons why happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster - [PositiveSharing] [...]
David Hollingworth Said,
April 1, 2007 @ 1:43 pm
Yo Alex,
Great post and a great looking book, I look forward to reading it.
I think it’s true to say that no matter how productive we are, in terms of getting things done, if we’re ultimately unhappy then there’s little point in doing these things.
David
Kristof Said,
April 2, 2007 @ 8:46 pm
Alex,
Excellent post and a great looking book, I look forward to reading it.
I am also a firm believer in hapiness as the ultimate tool to increase producivity.
http://leadingyouup.blogspot.com
K
RAJ SHAH Said,
April 3, 2007 @ 9:05 am
Dear sir/madam
Ple give me good feedback.
Yours truely
Raj
RAJ SHAH Said,
April 3, 2007 @ 9:07 am
Dear sir/madam
hello i am raj from india and i want to know about productivity and how to calculation productivity?
so give me good feedback and comments
yours truely
Raj
Bored virgin gets plenty of action... Said,
April 6, 2007 @ 5:09 am
[...] Top 10 reasons why happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster. May seem like commonsense for many people, but there are certainly one or two workplaces around that have no idea! [...]
Joseph Bernard Said,
April 7, 2007 @ 3:17 pm
Hi My Happy, I was just reading some writing from the Dalai Lama. He says his work is spread happiness and sees that as a mission worth all of us. Looks like you are on purpose already. The enthusiasm in your writing just jumps out and empowers. Thanks for expressing such aliveness and passion. I am writing a blog on consciousness, inner peace, personal freedom and write because it is my purpose to assist anyone who is interested in being more aware, awake and alive. I can be checked out at http://www.explorelifeblog.com
Keep going, you can make an amazing difference by being who you are. Joseph
Self Improvement and Law of Attraction Link Love, Volume 9 : Today is that Day Said,
April 7, 2007 @ 10:51 pm
[...] 1) Chief Happiness Office - In the post Top 10 reasons why happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster, it is clearly shown that life - and work - are better for the person who actually wants to do whatever it is that they are doing. [...]
Shama Hyder Said,
April 8, 2007 @ 4:53 pm
Alex,
A workplace in Bangkok just implemented nap time and dedicated nap rooms at their firm. They must have read your article. It always pays to feel good!
Curious Cat Management Improvement Blog » Management Improvement Carnival #9 Said,
April 16, 2007 @ 6:36 pm
[...] Top 10 reasons why happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster by Alexander Kjerulf - “When you don’t like your job, every molehill looks like a mountain… When you’re happy at work and you run into a snafu - you just fix it.” [...]
Why Workplace Happiness is Important at The Middle Way Said,
April 22, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
[...] Working in a positive, happy work place, not only are you more productive, less sick and seeing time fly, there’s other aspects. The happy work is more willing to invest time, and make things better, instead of watching things go by. His relations with workers are more fruitful, developing deeper in relation. [...]
Why Workplace Happiness is Important at The Middle Way Said,
April 22, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
[...] Careers staff have been saying it for years “do what you love“. Doing what you love makes you happy, and being happy in the work place is important. In a place where you spend 1/3rd of your waking day, the way you feel about the place is important. Working in a job you dislike, makes the day feel longer, you become more frustrated about the way things are, and you’re also less productive. There’s also a common understanding that when unhappy, you’re also more likely to get sick, as an added bonus. Before even looking at workplace happiness, workplace unhappiness looks pretty scary. Working in a positive, happy work place, not only are you more productive, less sick and seeing time fly, there’s other aspects. The happy work is more willing to invest time, and make things better, instead of watching things go by. His relations with workers are more fruitful, developing deeper in relation. [...]
Matthew Cornell Said,
May 16, 2007 @ 3:04 pm
I agree that happiness is an important component. I also think there are many things that stand in the way, things that are harder for some people to master than others (biochemical concerns come to mind). For me, having a system *allows* me to be happier…
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January 5, 2008 @ 6:12 pm
[...] Gelukkig ken ik ook heel veel mensen (steeds meer!) die iets ondernemen zodat zij veel meer kunnen genieten, veel vaker blij kunnen zijn. Dit is geen hedonistisch ideaal. gelukkige mensen leveren een waardevolle bijdrage aan hun omgeving en de maatschappij als geheel. Gelukkige mensen zijn productiever, creatiever, leren sneller, lossen problemen op in plaats van erover te klagen. Blijdschap is aanstekelijk en goed voor de sfeer. Alexander Kjerulf geeft 10 redenen waarom gelukkig zijn de ultieme productiviteits booster is. [...]
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February 4, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
[...] major productivity booster. According to Alexander Kjerulf over at The Chief Happiness Officer, happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster. He gives ten reasons why productivity increases when a person is happy. Essentially, being happy [...]
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March 3, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
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Michael Chriswell Said,
March 22, 2008 @ 5:30 am
For years people have called me “Mr. Happy” or “Mr. Enthusiasm” and everyone just thought I was born that way. What people didn’t know, until now, is that I had developed a highly effective habit of starting everyday “Intentionally”. I never arrived at work without first fueling my mind with something inspirational or motivational. Just like fueling my body with breakfast, I would always fuel my mind and my attitude for the day. It became a habit that literally changed my life! Today, I’m so passionate about encouraging other people to develop this habit, that I spend tons of my own money and time to create highly impactful and inspirational videos for people to start their day with and I do it ALL for FREE, just to make a difference in the small part of the world that I occupy. I am having the time of my life and people are getting addicted to it!www.KickstartMyDay.com
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May 8, 2008 @ 6:45 am
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July 11, 2008 @ 10:41 am
[...] Top 10 Reasons Why Happiness at Work is the Ultimate Productivity Booster [...]
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July 17, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
[...] Top 10 reasons why being happy at work is the ultimate productivity booster. [...]
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July 18, 2008 @ 7:57 am
[...] WordPress.com WordPress.org July 18, 2008, 1:57 pm Filed under: Uncategorized Top 10 reasons why happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster Lisa was falling behind at work. Every morning she woke up nervous about the workday ahead of her. [...]
joy catrine Said,
July 24, 2008 @ 11:16 am
what a great topic!!!
joy cathrine Said,
July 24, 2008 @ 11:17 am
very interesting….
kunbi Said,
July 24, 2008 @ 2:11 pm
we must learn to cope with the pleasant as well as the unpleasant aspects of our job.
Productive Magazine » Blog Archive » Articles in the first Edition of the Productive Magazine Said,
July 31, 2008 @ 12:58 am
[...] Top 10 reasons why happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster [...]
Jacob from JobMob Said,
August 19, 2008 @ 11:34 am
Great post, Stumbled it.
Unfortunately, too many companies don’t put enough emphasis on trying to keep employees happy. Granted, it’s never easy to please everyone but some companies don’t really try.
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August 24, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
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Idiocracy [Idiocy + Democracy] » Blog Archive » Top 10 reasons why happiness at work is the ultimate productivity booster Said,
September 2, 2008 @ 10:41 am
[...] Taken from here. [...]
The happiness factor | Talking Talent Said,
September 22, 2008 @ 2:21 am
[...] blogger, the Chief Happiness Officer (AKA Alexander Kjerulf), says “the single most efficient way to increase your productivity [...]
Mary Lebowski Said,
November 2, 2008 @ 6:32 pm
Ok. But will there be a follow-up article which gives us ways to cope at work: survival tactics at work?
Backstabbing colleagues who are not to be trusted and incompetent managers is what makes me SAD at work.