From climbing walls to yoga sessions and free lunch, 23-27 September is International Week of Happiness at Work, a focus on wellbeing in the workplace
We spend more than a third of our lives at work, so it's important to be happy in our jobs. Studies have proven people who are happy at work are more productive, more creative and have healthier, stronger relationships both in and out of the office. What’s more, companies who truly consider the happiness of their employees will also reap the benefits from increased productivity and revenue to long-term commitment and loyalty.
International Week of Happiness at Work (23-27 September 2019) is a Dutch initiative started in 2017 by Maartje Wolff and Fennande van der Meulen, founders of Happy Office. Now in effect in 30 countries across the globe, their 'Happy at Work' manifesto is 'a commitment to making happiness at work the norm' and shines a spotlight on the working environment, encouraging companies to make a positive change in the workplace.
As the trend for flexible working continues to spread, the traditional nine-to-five working week is becoming outdated. Flexible working has proven to be one of the biggest influences on happiness in the workplace and with IWG at the forefront of the flexible workspace movement, the brand has seen several offices in Asia introduce yoga classes as a way to improve health and wellbeing at work.
“With the current change in work culture, which has become even more stressful and demanding, yoga helps employees to deal with the constant demands of work life,” says Vivek Pandit, Sales Director, South India for IWG. “We conduct these sessions to highlight the benefits of yoga and help them deal with stress whether professional or personal. The sessions have been extremely well received with quite a few customers and employees choosing yoga as a part of their healthy living initiatives.”
A study by the Social Market Foundation showed that happy employees are 20% more productive than unhappy staff, while having contented sales staff can result in a 37% increase in sales. Ultimately, being happy at work is beneficial to all. Companies can expect increased revenue and commitment from staff, while employees will feel more valued and professionally fulfilled.
In recent years, businesses are starting to take note of their employees' wellbeing and are adapting the working environment. Google is at the forefront of the movement with its free lunches, games rooms and on-site gyms, however not every company needs to have a sports bar or a climbing wall for staff – having an open and positive attitude is proven to be just as beneficial.
The 2014 National Study of Employers from the Families and Work Institute found that employees who had flexible working hours also had better mental and physical health, suffered less stress and were less prone to burnout and sickness. One of the easiest but most significant changes which can be made is simple recognition for a job well done. Often managers get caught up in the bigger picture and forget to reward good work. It's also important for managers to take an interest in employees. By feeling heard and seen, employees will show much more commitment to the job.
“We have always strived towards providing a work environment conducive to happiness and a work culture which supports stress-free working and helps maintain a good work-life balance,' says Pandit. “With the advent of World Yoga Day, there's an increased awareness as well as acceptance of yoga as a tool to foster healthier living.”
Find out how IWG can help your employees have a better work-life balance and drive your business forward.
