Amidst the elation of hearing the news of an engagement to be betrothed, there is a momentary seriousness from the mother to the “about to be wed”.
“Are you happy in this relationship?” she asks.
“Oh yes, I am, mother… I am!” is the tearful, yet joyful answer.
Happiness is a basic need for human beings as it breeds a conducive environment for interaction and self-actualization. Therefore, it follows that the need is there, regardless of where a human being is. Imagine angrily or sadly doing your work. The energy and inspiration levels would be so low that performance is negatively impacted.
This begs the question as to what form the pursuit of happiness in the workplace should take. I have been guilty of the offence of declaring that I am here for “work” and “not to make friends”. Anyone with me?
Over the years, I have reflected on the posture alluded to above and wondered whether it is the correct attitude for one to have in the circumstances.
On my first day of work at a new job, somebody knocked on the door and walked in with a huge smile on his face. He introduced himself and welcomed me to the company. His friendly disposition helped me to settle down and believe that all will be well. The apprehensions I had of being in a new place were taken over by the happy energy that was floating around in my office.
Later, I learned that the nice gentleman had started work just a week earlier than I did, and yet, his hospitality gave me the impression that he was part of the woodwork of the company! I was so impressed with his approach, and I think that was the beginning of my new journey of seeing the workplace environment as a place that could be a source of happiness.
According to Wikipedia, “job satisfaction” is a measure of workers’ contentedness with their job, whether they like the job or individual facets of jobs, such as nature of work or supervision… and can be measured in cognitive, affective and behavioral components. Therefore, the absence of job satisfaction can cause a highly qualified and skilled employee to make exit decisions, much to the disadvantage of the employer, which could have been avoided or mitigated by paying attention to the work environment.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “happiness” as the state of pleasurable contentment of mind; deep pleasure in or contentment with one’s circumstances. As mentioned above, happiness is craved by most human beings and we find pleasure in doing what makes us happy.
I propose that job satisfaction and happiness are key values for a peak performer. It is certainly every organization’s desire to have a cadre of human capital and talent that can deliver on its objectives optimally, thereby achieving and even exceeding the set targets.
The obvious question at this juncture is how do we get there? Well, I think that actors in organizations at different levels must be as honest and genuine as happiness is in creating an enabling environment for the easy navigation and pursuit of happiness in the workplace. It is very easy to blow out the flame of passion someone has for their job by making them feel uncomfortable when discharging their functions…passion is fed by the prospect of happiness it will bring when the deed is done!
To individuals in the workplace, I say…be kind and speak human to colleagues as the first step in your pursuit of happiness. The attitude of being the first to extend a good gesture to someone should be part of the fibre that builds your character and behaviour towards others.
Thank you.
