Happiness is a serious business issue

September 2007

Feeling good at work is not only a signal of good functioning but will actually enhance an organisations performance according to Nic Marks, founder of the centre for well-being, at nef (the new economics foundation) and a speaker at the CIPD's annual conference.

Positive emotions are particularly important in relationship to several key performance indicators such as job satisfaction, engagement, loyalty and job meaning. CIPD research shows that happy and engaged employees perform better than others, are more likely to recommend their organisation to others, take less sick leave, and are less likely to quit.

Nic Marks says: "Employee well-being is becoming increasingly important as organisations realise the link between happy, healthy staff and their long-term success. Research shows that challenge and interest are key drivers of well-being in the workplace. If jobs aren't challenging or interesting enough this will be reflected in lack of commitment, underperformance and satisfaction. By measuring and focussing on well-being at work we can create good jobs - and good jobs not only benefit employees, but also employers.

"Organisations are likely to get greater impact by fostering positive emotions rather than simply dealing with problems as they occur. Employers should focus on well-being at work by identifying and sharing good practice, and should implement well-being audits."

Microsoft has many wellbeing initiatives including a wellbeing centre which provides employees with an open door to a calm tranquil environment, focused solely on the employee.

Lucy Bolton, Head of Enterprise HR at Microsoft who will also be speaking at the seminar said: "At Microsoft our well being strategy is an important element of Microsoft culture helping to promote our image and reputation as an employer of choice, whilst simultaneously improving employee engagement and reducing absence and work related stress."

Carolyn Woolley, HR Services Director, City of London Police will also be speaking at the seminar.

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Public sector managers need to focus more attention on engaging and motivating their employees if they are to meet performance targets