I want to thank you for being a part of the community at Work Happy Now. Most of my readers are American and this country has a long way to go to improve employee happiness. A lot of business owners need to adjust with these changing times. France has shortened their work week to 35 hours to help reduce stress and increase productivity. Denmark actually has a word for work happiness: arbejdsglæde.
Don’t get me wrong, we’ve made great strides in America but we need to learn from companies like Google, Southwest Airlines, and Great Harvest (all American companies). The only way businesses are going to stay competitive in this global economy is through innovative techniques that get the most creativity and productivity out of their employees.
Work Happy Now has had a great year, we’ve been around for almost a year and growing at a nice pace. 2009 looks to be a better year with some amazing improvements. I’m working on another website to help companies increase their work happiness, as well as a program to help employees get more enjoyment out of their present careers, and plenty of great ideas for new posts.
We can talk about all that great stuff later. This time of year is meant for reflection. I’ve found a list of my most popular and favorite posts.
Most commented:
- How to be a Woman at Work (27)- I’m actually a little embarrassed by this post. I was ripped apart by some of the readers and rightfully so. I’m not ashamed of any of the content on this site so here it is.
My favorites:
- 6 Exercise Hacks While You Are At Work (13)
- 55 Tips to Make Work More Fun (13)
- How Transitions Can Dramatically Improve Your Productivity (6) - Not a reader favorite, but a quality post that gets to the nitty gritty of transitioning from one task to another.
Most embarrassing:
- Design Friendly Atmosphere for Employees and Clients (3) - the video that I shot for this article had good content, but bad production. I'm not giving up. I will be back with some new and improved video in 2009 and beyond.
Most Read:
I wish you all work happiness that you can handle in 2009. I also hope that you find many ways to be successful and even more productive.
Image courtesy of Môsieur J.
I can understand why 25 Lessons on Working Happy from my German Father is the most read article. Much of it is rooted into both happiness and how to be successful.
If you worry about things, not only will your happiness fade, your chance of success diminishes.
If you lounge around and "break" for too long, not only will your happiness become idle, but you won't be doing the right things to become successful.
Derek's last blog post..By: Why Einstein Became An Immortal Celebrity (and how your company can join him), Success Factors Day 3
Hi Derek, I am always amazed at what the WHN readers like and what they don't resonate with. Blogging is definitely an art that I'm still learning to master.
Hi Karl
Firstly, all of the best for 2009!
Looks as if you have some interesting ventures and ideas on the way - great.
I haven't been around on your site for long, but will take a look at your "best of" posts.
I can't really comment on the South African companies and their work behavior as the company I work for is US-based! I work a 3-day week (which is progressive on their part), but their idea of "a day's work" is not mine. Fortunately, I've taken a stand and I won't work too much overtime.
Juliet
Hi Karl, Happy New Year.
It looks like you will be busier in this year. I wish you a great success on the another website.
Arswino's last blog post..If You Don’t Sacrifice Now, You’ll Hate Yourself Later
Hi Juliet, I'm excited for this upcoming year. That's really cool that you work a 3 day week. I would love to hear more about it. How does it work?
Hi Arswino, I wish you an awesome 2009 too.
Hi Karl,
It's great to be here! You've developed a wonderful place to visit, and one in which gets me thinking about my work life, and the enjoyment I get from it. I've spent a little time visiting some of your older posts - great stuff, as usual. Especially the tribute to your father. What a nice gift to give!
I'm looking forward to learning more about the exciting new things you'll have going on in the upcoming year!
Lance's last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi Karl - Great list. I especially like your post of what you learned from your father. Parents can teach us so much. If we learn to listen, it's advice that will last a lifetime and can be passed on to the next generation, as well.
Barbara Swafford - Blogging Without A Blog's last blog post..Join Twitter - It’s Easier Than You Think