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The Role of Leadership in Creating and Sustaining the Culture of Happiness

AUTHORED BY:

MILONEE PAREKH | KNOLSKAPE EDITORAL TEAM

Leadership extends beyond mere decision-making and task delegation; it involves fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can flourish and unleash their full potential. Numerous studies have highlighted the profound impact of a positive and happy work culture on employee engagement and performance. However, building such a culture remains a complex challenge.

According to Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends survey, a mere 12 percent of executives believe their company has successfully established the right corporate culture, while only 19 percent believe their organizations have achieved the desired culture.

In this article, we aim to assist leaders and managers in delving into the nuances of creating a culture that not only drives business success but also prioritizes employee happiness and satisfaction. By exploring strategies and insights, we can unlock the secrets to cultivating a thriving work culture that benefits both individuals and the organization as a whole.

WHAT IS WORKPLACE CULTURE?

Since culture is such a broad subject, defining it can be challenging. There is no widely agreed-upon definition of workplace culture, despite the fact that the subject has been studied extensively. There is no one-size-fits-all culture template that caters to the demands of all businesses because each firm is unique in its own manner.

Additionally, workplace culture can show up in a number of ways, such as in management styles, employee relations, manager-employee interactions, communication patterns, levels of transparency, and the kinds of internal messages that are circulated.

Generally speaking, an organization’s culture establishes the acceptable conduct within the organization. It needs to be composed of fundamental corporate principles and common ideas that have been developed by leaders and other internal communicators and reinforced through a variety of internal communication channels.

Building a happy workplace culture is only possible for leaders, if you have a clear plan around how to communicate it to the entire workplace and align employees with the defined values.

BENEFITS OF A HAPPY WORKPLACE CULTURE

Let’s look into a few important benefits of creating a good workplace culture:

| TALENT ATTRACTION

Candidates for jobs assess your company and its culture. A culture that is powerful, upbeat, and happy attracts qualified job candidates that fit your organization’s needs. According to a Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends research, “culture and engagement” are the top corporate priorities, and businesses with strong cultures are significantly more likely to draw and retain talent.

| EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION

The degree to which employees are satisfied and engaged affects their retention. A happy workplace culture is known to keep employees interested in their work.

| BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

Stronger cultures tend to produce more successful organizations that perform financially better than their competitors. Additionally, 92% of executives from prosperous businesses think that workplace culture and financial performance are closely related.

HOW CAN LEADERS CREATE AND SUSTAIN A CULTURE OF HAPPENINESS?

Here are a few ways leaders or managers can ensure that they create a culture that keeps employees happy, satisfied, and engaged:

| ATTRACT AND RETAIN TALENTED AND ENGAGED EMPLOYEES

A happy workplace culture naturally draws in high-caliber employees, as mentioned before. However, not every talented individual is a perfect fit for your specific culture. This emphasizes the need for a selective hiring process to ensure you bring the right people into your team. During interviews, managers should dedicate ample time to observe candidates’ facial expressions, responses, and level of sincerity. By assembling an exceptional team of individuals, you can congratulate yourself on this accomplishment.

| FREQUENT RECOGNITION AND APPRECIATION

Feeling unappreciated at work can quickly lead an employee to seek new opportunities elsewhere. It is vital for managers and leaders to always keep this crucial fact in mind. Regularly expressing appreciation and acknowledging the efforts of employees is paramount. This fosters enthusiasm within teams and provides them with the motivation and freedom they need to excel. When employees know that their hard work is recognized and applauded, they are driven to exceed expectations, benefiting the overall objectives of the business.

| ENHANCE THE MEANINGFULNESS AT WORK

Every employee desires to contribute to meaningful projects. As a manager or leader, it is your responsibility to ensure that employees have a comprehensive understanding of the goals and objectives of their work. Clearly articulate the purpose behind each team or department’s tasks, emphasizing why they matter. Additionally, find ways to involve your staff in the company’s mission to enhance their commitment to its success. By facilitating a sense of purpose and connection to the organization’s goals, employees are motivated to deliver exceptional performance.

| FOSTER GENUINE INTERACTIONS

While it may seem obvious, many managers and leaders fail to recognize the importance of honest and insightful conversations in the workplace. Often, this is due to the fear of blurring the lines between personal and professional lives. However, building a better workplace necessitates getting to know your team members on a deeper level. Make it a priority to learn something new about each team member during every conversation and establish connections outside of work. Encourage your team to continue engaging in meaningful discussions with one another, both within and outside the workplace, to nurture stronger relationships and a more cohesive work environment.

| BREAK FREE FROM THE TYPICAL WORKDAY OCCASIONALLY

Working on challenging projects day in and day out, confined to a desk, can become mundane and draining. To prevent this, it is crucial to occasionally surprise your team and break away from the norm. If you’re short on ideas, consider organizing team lunches at their favorite spots or allowing them to spend the first hour of their Monday doing something they enjoy. These simple gestures can significantly boost team productivity, regardless of how busy everyone may be.

| EMBRACE FEEDBACK IN MENTORSHIP

Every effective manager and leader understands the power of feedback. They recognize the importance of providing constructive criticism and resolving any misunderstandings to align performance with the company’s objectives. Remember, feedback sessions should be two-way conversations. While offering guidance to your team on how to excel in their roles, be open to receiving feedback as well. Cultivating a work culture where both supervisors and employees give and receive constructive criticism is vital for everyone to thrive and contribute to the organization’s success.

| PRIORITIZE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT

Individual Development Plans (IDPs) are essential in any work environment. They involve creating personalized plans to support the growth and development of each team member. Before establishing IDPs, take the time to understand the professional and personal goals of each individual, as well as their strengths and areas for improvement. This demonstrates your commitment to investing in the growth of each team member and helping them achieve their aspirations.

| AVOID MICROMANAGEMENT

It’s safe to say that no one wants to be micromanaged at work or elsewhere. Employers should steer clear of this detrimental practice. Numerous studies have shown that employees who feel trusted and supported are more comfortable and productive in their roles. Don’t hinder your team’s performance by constantly monitoring their every move. Instead, give them the space they need to excel.

| IMPROVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a challenging concept, but it should be a top priority in any workplace. It’s crucial for every team member to know that their well-being matters and that they have lives beyond work. Consider implementing initiatives like remote work options, flexible vacation policies, discounts on health programs, and similar measures that show your commitment to valuing work-life balance. By providing these meaningful benefits, employers can demonstrate their genuine concern for their employees’ overall well-being and quality of life.

| PROMOTE WORKPLACE WELLNESS

Encourage a healthy lifestyle among your employees. Offer wellness programs that make it easier for them to adopt and maintain healthy habits both at work and in their personal lives. This can include promoting healthy eating habits, mindfulness practices, or incorporating simple physical exercises into the work routine. Here are some ideas to foster a culture of wellness: create and share a curated list of nearby healthy dining options, provide corporate discounts for gyms and fitness clubs, and organize weekly yoga sessions led by a professional instructor to help your team members relax and focus their minds.

WAY FORWARD

Developing a successful company culture is crucial to leadership. Open and honest communication, employee recognition and appreciation, the promotion of growth and development opportunities, and a continual alignment of the culture with the brand and values are the keys to developing a thriving and happy workplace culture.

| KNOLSKAPE’s Happiness@Work Course

KNOLSKAPE has always held the culture of happiness very highly, be it implementing it within the organization itself or working towards imparting this skill to others as well. Our Happiness@Work course helps you understand the true meaning and importance of the culture of happiness and explores the factors that determine happiness. It includes a simulation as well based on Professor Raj Raghunathan’s BAMBA© Model of Happiness, which bridges the gap between the theory and application. It equips leaders with tools to enhance happiness and boost engagement and productivity of their organization.