In an era of increased work stress some have argued that for some companies, their balance sheet is more important than the well being of the people who help them achieve their profits. But, is it really possible to have a happy workforce and at the same time, have a healthy balance sheet? There are numerous companies who have attained both goals and for them it’s a no-brainer. One such company is called G Adventures and reading this story about them is like being on one of the rides at Disneyland.
The question remains why do some companies insist on making their workforce miserable while others understand the value in a happy workforce? In an article titled “Being Happy at Work Matters” written by Annie McKee, for Harvard Business Review, we extrapolated two paragraphs that lends powerful credence to importance of a happy workforce. It reads in part;
“Disengaged, unhappy people aren’t any fun to work with, don’t add much value, and impact our organizations (and our economy) in profoundly negative ways. It’s even worse when leaders are disengaged because they infect others with their attitude. Their emotions and mindset impact others’ moods and performance tremendously. After all, how we feel is linked to what and how we think. In other words, thought influences emotion, and emotion influences thinking.
It’s time to finally blow up the myth that feelings don’t matter at work. Science is on our side: there are clear neurological links between feelings, thoughts, and actions. When we are in the grip of strong negative emotions, it’s like having blinders on. We focus mostly — sometimes only — on the source of the pain. We don’t process information as well, think creatively, or make good decisions. Frustration, anger, and stress cause an important part of us to shut down —the thinking, engaged part. Disengagement is a natural neurological and psychological response to pervasive negative emotions.”
So with such solid science behind the importance of a happy workforce, are you one of the lucky employees who got hired by a great company? After all, not all companies espouse the virtues of having a wonderful workforce. And, the same can be said that not all employees are the best to work with either.
To learn more about ATS Workforce Management Solutions, go to our website and download a demonstration. You can also sign up for one of our monthly webinars and to reach an account executive, call: 1.866.294.2467.
