Workplace Happiness: The Strategic Focus Companies Must Turn To

According to a Harvard Business Review study, professionals who experience higher happiness at work show a significant increase in their productivity, innovation, and professional commitment. These increases can be up to 300%, 85%, and 31% respectively, demonstrating that happiness at work is associated with a significant increase in the quality and development of work activities.

Workplace happiness goes beyond simple gestures like office amenities or organizing events. It involves creating a conducive environment that fosters employee satisfaction and security in their roles. This approach has become crucial, especially with the entry into the market of younger generations, who value aspects such as mental health, flexible work models, and purpose in their daily work.

In Mexico, more than 54% of workers say they are frustrated with some aspect of their job. Of that total, 24% mentioned lack of flexibility as their main source of frustration, 13% salary, 7.5% lack of influence in decision-making, and another 7% lack of growth/development. Ultimately, the more frustration, the less happiness, and as a result, the challenges for talent retention increase.

Work Models Contribute to Workplace Happiness

According to the report Challenges and Perspectives of Work: Revealing the Keys to Work Evolution, recently released by WeWork Mexico in collaboration with PageGroup, workplace happiness is strongly linked to the type of work model companies adopt.

According to this same study, 66% of respondents employ  a hybrid model, with access to flexible workspaces, 27% prefer fully remote work, while only 9% prefer fully in-person work. However, in-person work was the only selection marked with negative points directly related to it, mostly linked to the personal lives of the interviewees, such as quality of life, household task management, and relationship with family and friends.

The possibility of being able to choose between any of these three models can contribute to generating a sense of satisfaction, allowing employees to adapt the work environment to their needs and individual preferences, generating a positive impact on their well-being and job satisfaction as well as their productivity and commitment.

However, according to the report, companies and leaders still bear the responsibility for defining their employees' work model (60%), and only 20% said it is a personal decision. This, as a consequence, can create more stress and frustration, and may also hinder employees' ability to meet their family and personal responsibilities.

In this context, companies that achieve a balance in work models are on the way to long-term benefits, including a higher quality of life, better organizational performance, and a more attractive corporate culture.

Physical, Mental Health Key Factors

One area that cannot be ignored is physical and mental health, which are fundamental to happiness at work. Studies from the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology and the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine indicate that employees who enjoy good physical health tend to be more engaged and productive in their work.

However, issues such as chronic stress and fatigue can negatively affect performance. Mental health also plays a crucial role in workplace happiness. Work-related stress, anxiety, and depression are common problems that can undermine employees' emotional well-being.

To address these issues, companies should implement programs with activities such as physical exercise sessions, healthy eating programs, stress management workshops, and access to psychological support resources. Additionally, occupational practices that promote work-life balance, such as flexible schedules, days off for rest, and telecommuting policies, can be encouraged. 

Workplaces that prioritize the physical and mental health of their employees through wellness and support programs often have a happier and more engaged workforce. Ultimately, it is not only essential from an ethical standpoint, but also crucial for promoting a positive and productive environment.

What Role Do Leaders Play?

Leadership in the workplace also plays an important role in pursuing workplace happiness.

According to research conducted jointly by WeWork and Page Group, today, leaders, such as chief human resources officers (CHROs) and chief happiness officers (CHOs), play a key role in implementing improvements based on methodologies that can yield tangible results, such as reducing absenteeism and turnover, and increasing employee loyalty and commitment.

It is the duty of this leadership team to investigate and understand the main areas in which their employees feel less motivated and for which they could, at some point, seek other options.

According to the survey conducted by Harvard Business Review, successful leaders are those who understand the needs and desires of their employees. To foster a positive organizational culture, it is essential that those who manage teams demonstrate empathy, promote social connections, and foster an atmosphere of openness and dialogue.

What's Next?

Although continuous efforts are made to promote happiness in companies, it is clear that there is still a great deal to be done. We cannot underestimate the positive impact of leadership, physical and mental health, as well as prioritizing employees' well-being not only in terms of productivity but also regarding quality of life and the overall work environment.

It is essential that organizations recognize these aspects as crucial elements for their long-term success and continuously work on their improvement. By investing in employee well-being and creating a work environment where happiness and well-being are valued and promoted, we can build healthier companies for all our members.

About WeWork

WeWork is the global leader in flexible spaces, providing companies of all sizes with the space, community, and services they need to manage and grow their business. With over 800 locations in 151 cities and 38 countries worldwide, WeWork offers flexible space solutions to its 490,000 members globally.

About WeWork Mexico

As a pioneer and leader in flexible workspace, WeWork significantly contributes to transforming the work environment in the country. WeWork has been present in Mexico since 2016 and, as of 2021, is part of WeWork Latam, an independently operated entity of WeWork Global. The company has 25 buildings distributed in three strategic cities: 15 in Mexico City, six in Monterrey, and four in Guadalajara, with more than 32,500 active members.