As the end of the year approaches, it’s a good time to look at the effect of happiness in the workplace – and how employers, supervisors and coordinators can control and foster it.

Be aware of ‘positive psychology’

This is a concept that suggests we can learn to be happier – and teach others to be. Why does it matter? Well, from a business perspective alone, positive psychology can have a big impact on workplace morale, and it can encourage employees to be more motivated to return to work after an injury.

The Australian Business Training website lists some of the benefits of positive psychology in the workplace:

• empowering people to exceed previous levels of achievement
• engaging employees increasing employee retention
• enhancing trust and loyalty; improving staff health and wellbeing
• improving people's ability to adapt to change
• generating constructive collaboration

Remember positive reinforcement is more than just a pretty concept

Here’s an easy – though often neglected – aspect of creating a happier workplace that can have huge positive effects. Would you be likely to work to your best abilities if you felt that no-one was appreciating or even noticing your contribution? But try to keep the following things in mind about positive reinforcement:

• you don’t have to ignore the problems – just balance your focus so you notice the positives while giving constructive criticism
• sick or injured workers will be more likely to return to the job when they feel that they are appreciated and valued

Show care

Beyond positive reinforcement, extend on the care and respect you have for your injured employee by:

• taking an interest and being supportive
• asking questions – while respecting non-work domains
• controlling long working hours
• providing for self-rostering, job security and flexibility of time and place of work

Happier employees are more productive, altruistic and volunteering. If you’re managing people in a workplace, their happiness makes your role easier, and makes the workplace a better place to be in.

If this sounds all too simple, that’s because it is. Positive language is an innate skill – we just have to learn to employ it to maximum effect.

Links to more information on positive psychology:

Penn University of Pennsylvania, Positive Psychology Center  
Positive Psychology.Net, Positivity Central