Corporate Wellness

Easy Ways To Spread Joy At The Workplace

From simple acts of kindness to team-building activities, discover how you can spread joy and make the workplace better for everyone. Watch your workplace transform into a thriving and supportive community with your efforts!

By Simran

14 Feb 2023

Most of us spend a lot of time at work, and it’s obvious that the environment needs to be happy and supportive for you to thrive. A positive and enjoyable work environment can significantly impact job satisfaction, motivation, and overall well-being. Research by the University of Oxford (2019) indicates that employees who find joy and fulfilment at work are 13 per cent more productive, and engaged, and have lower stress levels.

As per the research by BMC Health 2011, spending on healthcare is about 50 per cent more at high-pressure companies than other organisations. According to the American Psychological Association, stress at work costs the American economy more than $500 billion annually, and 550 million workdays are lost as a result. Stress is thought to be a factor in 60 to 80 per cent of workplace accidents and more than 80 per cent of doctor visits. Stress at work has been connected to various health issues, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and mortality.

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What Does Happiness At The Workplace Mean?

Finding happiness at work is easier said than done. It's necessary to have open discussions with your team about key values and how to apply them in the workplace if you want to create a space that promotes joy. This could sometimes entail seeking happiness elsewhere.

Related Story: Hack Your Happiness Chemicals

Why Is Happiness At Work Important?

The costs of a hostile work environment are massive. These include:

Higher absenteeism
High employee turnover
Decreased productivity
Low team and individual morale
Additional expense/time for human resources counsellors dealing with inappropriate behaviour.
Demotivation and low effort
Poor mental health

Instead, with happier employees, you will notice:

Better performance than competitors
Ongoing opportunities for advancement
An environment that encourages people to apply for jobs
Meeting all deliverables
Positive image of the organisation
Receive best-in-class awards for employee satisfaction
Exceptional physical and mental health employees

Here are some ways to spread joy at the workplace:

1. Cultivate meaningful relationships with colleagues: Building strong relationships with your co-workers can make work more enjoyable and fulfilling.

2. Set achievable goals and celebrate accomplishments: Feeling a sense of accomplishment and progress can bring great satisfaction and joy.

3. Embrace humour: Laughter can relieve stress and boost happiness levels.

4. Practice gratitude: Taking the time to appreciate what you have and what you have accomplished can increase happiness and fulfilment. Do not forget to give compliments and acknowledge the good work of your colleagues. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in lifting spirits and spreading joy.

5. Find meaning and purpose in your work: When we feel that our work has a purpose and is making a positive impact, it can bring a sense of fulfilment and joy.

6. Start the day with a positive attitude and a smile: A positive and cheerful outlook can help brighten up the work environment.

7. Organise team activities: Think of games, office parties and similar activities as team-building initiatives. These activities bring people together and create a fun work environment.

8. Help colleagues: It can help boost morale and create a supportive work environment.

9. Engage in post-office activities: This can include attending group fitness classes together, or planning a wellness excursion during a weekend.

10. Organise check-ins: Monthly meetings in a casual set-up can help managers engage with their team better. These settings are also great for ideation and brainstorming new ideas.

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It's important to remember that everyone's experience of joy at work is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to find what works for you and make an effort to bring more joy into your workplace.

With the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you are able to bring your whole self to work.

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.

Click here to learn more about the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme and unlock better health.