New research tells us that we work more effectively, creatively and collaboratively if we’re happy.
A recent study by economists at the University of Warwick found that happiness led to a 12% spike in productivity, while unhappy workers proved 10% less productive. As the research team put it, "We find that human happiness has large and positive casual effects on productivity. Positive emotions appear to invigorate human beings."
Shawn Anchor, author of The Happiness Advantage, has found that the brain works much better when a person is feeling positive. At those times, individuals tend to be more creative and better at solving problems. And additional research has shown that when workers are happy they're more effective collaborators working toward common goals. As Anchor sees it, the incentive for companies is clear-cut—"happiness leads to greater levels of profits" for companies that take the right steps.
Of course there are a huge range of factors that make people happier – many of them are about their satisfaction as an employee, working environment, colleagues and general atmosphere. But each individual’s personal life, outside of work, plays an enormous part in their personal happiness. Fundamentally, happier employees offer a significant additional benefit to their employers.
Unsurprisingly, a long-term study carried out by Cornell University found that relationship status is the most significant factor in influencing an individual’s level of personal happiness and wellbeing. Put simply – for those who haven’t made an active decision to be single - being in a relationship will do more than anything else to help make people happier.
At INTRO, we’ve been talking with a range of employers to promote the concept of a personal introduction and matching service as an ‘employee benefit’. After all, many employers encourage and support gym membership to promote health, why not help employees to access an introduction service to promote happiness?
It’s a perfect example of a win/win. The employee in a relationship is happier, more positive and so more productive at work. The employer (who has help to facilitate the introduction) benefits from all the positive impacts of increased employee happiness.