Alright, listen up all you HR rockstars and line managers! We all know that a happy employee is a productive employee. But let’s be real, it’s not always sunshine and rainbows in the workplace. Sometimes it feels like you’re drowning in a sea of unmotivated, unenthusiastic employees who would rather be anywhere else than at their desks.
But don’t lose hope, my friends! There is a secret sauce to a positive workplace, and it’s all backed up by psychological research. Yes, you read that right. We’re about to unlock the key to employee happiness and engagement by enhancing their positivity and well-being. So buckle up and get ready to be the hero your employees deserve!
What causes employees to experience positive emotions at work
Psychological research has revealed some fascinating insights:
➡️50% of our happiness is in our genes. Sorry, we can’t change that!
➡️40% of our happiness is determined by the activities we engage in. Yes, we can control this!
➡️10% of our happiness is determined by our circumstances & environment. Let’s work on this!
In other words…
As HR professionals and line managers, you have a significant influence on almost half of your employees’ happiness, and with intentional effort, you can enhance their positivity, well-being, and happiness.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!
How do you increase positive emotions in the workplace?
Let’s dive into the secrets of boosting positive emotions in the workplace!
Here are the 6 key “workplace positivity” areas along with some practical strategies you should focus on:
- Positive Relationships
First up, let’s talk about the importance of positive relationships. It’s not just about making friends at work, it’s about building close, trusting relationships that are vital for our well-being and effectiveness. So, organize team-building activities, create a friendly and inclusive workplace culture, and provide opportunities for socializing and getting to know each other outside of work.
- Positive Thinking
The way we think affects our abilities, and positive thinking can work wonders. While we often can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we think about it. Encourage positive self-talk and help your employees reframe negative situations as opportunities for growth and learning. With a bit of mental reframing, your employees can turn even the most challenging tasks into opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Play on Strengths
Did you know that employees who use their strengths every day have higher levels of customer satisfaction, productivity, and retention rates? That’s right – they’re 6x more likely to be engaged in their jobs and have higher levels of energy. So, help your employees identify their strengths and find ways to incorporate them into their work tasks. This will not only boost their happiness and engagement but also your organization’s productivity and success.
- Empowerment
In positive work environments, people are empowered to do their job successfully. Empowerment is the best way to help employees achieve their goals. Provide clear expectations, meaningful feedback, and opportunities for growth and development. When employees feel that they have control over their work and that their contributions are valued, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and happy.
- Meaning
People experience more positive emotions and are more engaged in their work if they sense that what they are doing fulfills a higher purpose. Help your employees understand how their work contributes to the overall mission and vision of the organization. By doing so, they will feel a sense of purpose and connection to the organization, leading to greater job satisfaction and happiness.
- Well-being
Last but not least, a positive work environment shows genuine concern about their employees’ well-being. Encourage self-care and stress-reducing activities, provide resources for mental health support, and offer flexibility in scheduling and work arrangements. By supporting your employees’ well-being, you create a more positive and caring workplace culture.
By implementing these initiatives, you can unlock the secret sauce to employee happiness and create a more positive and productive workplace culture. And with Work Unlocked’s tools and resources, you have everything you need to get started.
And hey, why not take it to the next level? Book a free 30-minute call with me.
I look forward to hearing from you.



