I know working happy works because I live it. Well, most of the time. Not because the companies I worked for always gave me every perk, all the money I needed or non-stop appreciation. I had to do most of those things for myself. I learned that looking for and finding meaning/purpose in my work kept my motivation much higher.
Now I believe that if my past jobs would have given me motivational booster sessions it would have been a lot easier to sustain my motivation at a higher level.
Science of Happiness
Science Daily published an article, "Secret to workplace happiness? Remember what you love about the job, study urges," which advocates all the concepts that I've been talking about. Val Kinjerski co-authored the study. He created two groups; one received a one day "happiness" workshop, while the other was given a one day "happiness" workshop and eight weekly booster sessions.
The most intriguing part of this study was the difference between the control group (only attended the workshop) and the other group that got the workshop plus eight weekly booster sessions after the workshop was over.
The second group saw a much more dramatic improvement in employee happiness and productivity.
I'll let the article tell you in Val's words:
"The result for the intervention group was a 23 per cent increase in teamwork, a 10 per cent hike in job satisfaction and a 17 per cent jump in workplace morale. In addition, employer costs related to absenteeism were almost $12,000 less for the five months following the workshop than for the same period in the previous year. The employees also showed an increased interest in and focus on their patients"
Give the Tools
Employers can bring in a motivational speaker for a day, but there won't be any lasting change unless there is follow-up to sustain the change. The follow up can either to be done by the employer or the speaker can come back with extra sessions.
We all want to work happier, and if our employers would provide us tools to extract more meaning and purpose from our work then I would be the first employee in line.
The positive environment would help employees become happier at work. The productivity would increase while absenteeism would go down. I believe that all it would take is for a person to come in and do a few sessions with your company. You could hire me or have someone else come in every quarter to give booster sessions, reminding the employees work happy and stay focused on the difference they make in customer's and co-worker's lives.
What does your company do to boost your motivation? Would you like a weekly, monthly or quarterly motivational booster session? Would it help you work happier?
If you liked this article I believe you will enjoy these too:
- 10 Secrets to Motivating Teenagers
- How to Be Happy at Work – Right Now!
- Create the Work Atmosphere You Want
I think every little bit helps...I've worked for companies who do and who don't offer motivational boosters...and I always enjoyed my time much more at the companies who do. We spend a lot of time at work, it's a shame that we can't enjoy it more!
I don't think company's get it quite yet. There focus on the bottom line numbers and profits often distracts them from seeing the benefits of motivational seminars. But, I do agree that if they spent more time offering motivational talks, they would see an increase to their profits and productivity.
Hi Stacey, every little bit does help. It may not work for every employee, but if you just motivate 40% it was worth it.
Hi Matthew, yes! They would show their employees that they care about their employees because they are willing to invest in them.
Amid the flurry of layoffs and pay cuts the only motivational buster I get is “You should be grateful you have a job”
I know it sucks and it makes coming to work a drag but what can you do?
Hi Karl: Most people get pumped up after a motivational speech but that soon goes away. So I can see how the booster sessions can help the main points of the motivational speech be repeated until they really do sink in. This is interesting.
Hi Karl, I absolutely agree with your thought that there won’t be any lasting change after a motivational speaker for a day, unless there is follow-up to sustain the change. Marelisa was said the same too.
Hi BOH, companies are more worried about survival. The thing is if they focused on their employees happiness a little too they would see improvement in sales and productivity.
Hi Marelisa, it is interesting. As long as companies keep trying the employees begin to take notice and jump on board.
Hi Arswino, lasting change is hard to sustain. That is why we need to keep pushing for work happiness. Eventually the employees believe and try to help out the cause.
You can certainly understand the benefits of motivational speakers for business people. This kind of session brings people together, boosts enthusiasm, and encourages people to reconnect with common purpose. As you also point out, a meaningful session can have even more far-reaching effects when employers follow up with their employees at a later date. Skills learned or attained during workshops have effective applications when they are reinforced and encouraged by everyone, including sr. management.
Hi Liara, very well put. I can see you have a good grasp on this concept. You should write a guest post for me sometime.
I use to be very cynical about motivational speakers, but when you get the right one... it can make the world of difference. I know when I listen to Malcolm Gladwell prsentations I always get pumped. Or, how about that Randy Pausch last lecture? He really helps you see things differently.