The latest on wellbeing at work
On Thursday 27 September I was lucky enough to attend the Wellbeing at Work conference in Sydney. As a subject matter expert in creating meaningful and happy workplaces, I was looking forward to new input and research on the topic. I was pleased to find what I was looking for. The key take-aways and learnings from the day were as follows:
A good job
Gallup research shows that the one thing everybody in the world wants is a good job. What that looks like is different for everyone, but all people want to work, contribute and belong – Claire de Carteret, Regional Director APAC, Gallup
Loss of purpose at work increases burnout-risk
Losing your “why” for coming to work negatively effects your wellbeing. Remind yourself of why you like what you do, how your work meets your values and the impact you have in the organisation will connect you with new energy and motivation
Leaders hold the key
Leaders hold the key to create a work environment that fosters meaning. It’s therefore imperative to develop managers to be good leaders.
“If leaders will believe and live it, then others follow and embrace.” – Elizabeth Bradford, COO, Commercial Banking, HSBC
It’s all about the numbers
Only what gets measured, gets done. Leaders needs KPI’s for wellbeing to make it a continuous focus and part of their daily routine
The ripple effect of happiness
Research shows a ripple effect when it comes to happiness. If I am happy the chances of my first range of contact to be happy increases by 15%, the second point of contact by 10% and the 3rd by 5.6%
So, if you are happy at work, chances are it will increase your colleagues, team and customers happiness too.
Focus on strengths
Studies show when performance plans focus on improving your weaknesses, performance dropped by 25%. Having to work on areas that are hard or that don’t interest you sucks energy and reduces motivation. When performance plans focus on enhancing strengths, performance increased by 36% people. Not only were the strengths improved, but people also had extra energy to improve on their weaknesses, too.
Ask for help
Another interesting study highlighted that, “people who ask for help are perceived as smarter.” In society we often perceived ourselves as weak if we ask for help, but it’s actually the opposite. Beside the fact that you are perceived smarter and probably more human by showing vulnerability, you also give another person the opportunity to feel good about themselves. It’s a human need to help and contribute.
The future of work is about meaning
There’s a massive appetite to learn more about meaning and how you can get it to achieve a higher state of wellbeing.
I am excited about the future of work and helping people achieve meaning and wellbeing at work is my purpose.
Author: Birthe Nohrden
