A few days ago I shared an article from HBR about happiness. In the same issue there is an article about what companies can to to Create Sustainable Performance. Guess what? Happy employees are more productive than unhappy ones over the long term! Not surprising at all.
But what does it mean to be happy in your job?
These researchers boil it down into four things that sustain a thriving workforce:
- PROVIDE DECISION-MAKING DISCRETION. Employees at every level are energized by the ability to make decisions that affect their work. It gives them a greater sense of control, more say in how things get done, and more opportunities for learning. Southwest is a good example of this. By not requiring the flight attendants to read or memorize a specific safety announcement, they often put their own personality and creativity into it which makes it more fun for everyone.
- SHARING INFORMATION. Doing your job in an information vacuum is tedious and uninspiring. Systems that make information widely available build trust and give employees the knowledge they need to make good decisions and take initiative with confidence.
- MINIMIZING INCIVILITY. What is incivility? In a word, "rudeness". Most people have experienced rude behavior from a boss. Here are a few examples: "My boss said 'If I wanted to know what you thought, I'd ask you.'" Or 'On speakerphone in front of my peers, my boss told me I had done kindergarten work.'"
- OFFER PERFORMANCE FEEDBACK. Feedback creates opportunities for learning and the energy so critical for a culture of thriving. The quicker and more direct the feedback, the more useful it is.
What do you think? How is QS doing in these three areas? What should we be working to improve?