That happiness is extremely important for individual wellbeing and the prosperity of the society is a fact that is accepted by all. However, the fact that work also plays a significant role in a person’s happiness is probably lesser known. A survey reveals that 58 per cent of employees assert that work plays a significant part in their overall happiness. About 11 per cent feel that work may affect their happiness as well. That means, Indian workers or professionals derive satisfaction from their work or jobs and this does affect their quality of life.
What do the employers feel? Well, a good 48 per cent of them admit that work conditions do contribute to their employees’ happiness. On the other hand, 39 per cent of employers hold the overall wellbeing of employees accountable for their employees’ happiness. A small percentage (about 13 per cent)of employers feel that the personal lives of employees keeps them happy.
In the employees’ opinion, 11 per cent say that the workplace may contribute to their happiness. About 31 per cent does not feel that the workplace contributes to their happiness at all. However, a good 58 per cent of the workforce feels that workplace does contribute to their happiness.
Lack of happiness affects their mental and physical health admit 84 per cent of employees. About 74 per cent employees feel if happiness is diminished, it affects their sense of purpose. About 73 per cent employees feel lowered happiness impacts their enthusiasm and creativity. A good 63 per cent of employees admit that diminishing happiness adversely affects their relationships and social connections.
Why are these stats important? Well, employees with good physical and mental health will obviously be at their productive best. They are also more likely to attend office regularly and less likely to take medical leave. Such employees create a more healthy workforce and more positive workplace. They are also likely to enjoy better work-life balance. Also, happier employees with a strong sense of purpose will be motivated to stay committed to the organisational goals.
While about 70 per cent of employees in India exhibit varying degrees of happiness at work, 13 per cent of these are ‘very happy’. About 24 per cent claim to be ‘happy’, while 33 per cent are ‘happy sometimes’. About 30 per cent say they aren’t happy at their workplaces, while a majority of these, that is, 26 per cent are ‘unhappy’ and four per cent are ‘very unhappy’, says the Happiness Index.
Clearly, it is high time organisations recognised their employees’ sentiments. After all, happy employees will be more motivated to meet business goals.