By Tsifodze ERNEST
In our current era, happiness has emerged as an essential element in the list of well-being indicators. Economists often focus on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when assessing how a country is faring overall.
The GDP index assesses the overall condition and scale of an economy by taking into account the cumulative worth of all final products and services generated within the nation over a certain timeframe.
This is similar to the level of productivity that employers require from employees at work. The ability of these workers to meet targets and objectives efficiently ensures that the lifeblood of the business remains strong.
In today’s fiercely competitive work environment, establishing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) which depend on the time, resources, and efforts of staff members to generate outcomes, goods, and services frequently overlooks the importance of employee satisfaction.
Nevertheless, the query persists: Why is there minimal focus on the Gross Happiness Product (GHP) in work environments, private spaces, or across numerous nations? Since 1972, Bhutan has demonstrated that Gross National Happiness (GNH) serves as a reliable method for enhancing the welfare and contentment of its populace.
The ability to prioritize the GNH (Gross National Happiness) over purely economic metrics, GDP (Gross Domestic Product), inspired the UN’s 2011 resolution on happiness as a development goal, the World Happiness Report was birthed from 2012 to date, and the International Day of Happiness (March 20).
The study by the University of Warwick, published in 2024, highlights how happier participants were 12percent more productive when there was a little investment in their wellbeing by giving employers treats or showing them comedy clips.
While unhappy participants were 10percent less productive when asked about their recent tragedies. The participants were over 700 people.
People over profit?
Assessing happiness is quite challenging. Within our limited sphere, we associate happiness with different factors such as acquiring the most recent technology devices.
For certain individuals, it revolves around the amount they possess in their bank accounts. Occasionally, it might be attributed to maintaining good health. To many, it signifies an extravagant lifestyle, whereas, for others, it represents the serenity of their surroundings.
In today’s corporate landscape, operations function within various frameworks. This environment frequently misinterprets “performance incentives” as a means to boost happiness. Ponder a scenario where corporate boardrooms do not equate an “end-of-year bonus” with genuine contentment.
Picture “Having Fridays off to work remotely,” what if we suggest “Taking a mental break on Mondays” instead? Additionally, consider providing a “joy bonus” to employees for enjoying lunch or receiving a small treat. This approach would likely enhance their motivation and overall satisfaction at work more effectively.
Will capitalism permit that?
Capitalism is fundamentally centered around performance, leading to a work culture that often pushes individuals toward exhaustion and burnout.
It is even severe in a hyper-competitive space where social bonds are weakened. Fair to say it breeds anxiety and depression.
However, well-being can thrive when a strong social safety net is created to consider workers’ well-being. Humans are social animals, we need healthy social interactions to thrive.
Based on data from the World Bank for 2022, workers in the informal sector of developing nations dedicate between 50 to 70 hours per week to various jobs out of financial necessity.
Once more, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) data from 2023, which encompasses information from over 187 nations, it indicates that employees dedicate approximately 33-40 percent of their full day—which equates to around 8-10 hours—to work within a span of 24 hours.
In this scenario, the architecture and regulatory environment of our workspaces play a crucial role in affecting general human welfare.
However, does the Human Resources Management team address this complex situation?
The Human Resource Management Team can foster communication via numerous programs and regulations.
Certain companies allow employees to swap vacation days for additional compensation. In contrast, some employers mandate that staff members use their paid time off regardless of personal preferences.
Frequently, a small nudge in the correct direction can significantly aid the welfare of employees.
Picturing health initiatives, providing accessible tools to aid employees, arranging well-being workshops to instruct staff about their requirements, and advocating for a more comprehensive atmosphere where laborers sense they are recognized, acknowledged, and valued.
The Human Resource Management team needs to move away from reducing expenses solely for profit margins and instead focus on enhancing employees’ well-being to boost productivity. However, does this responsibility lie only with the HR department? Or do individual contributions play a significant role in this discussion? Absolutely yes.
Initially, we need to grasp that our identity is ‘human beings’ rather than ‘human doings’. People ought to value rest, participate in retreats, and take breaks whenever they sense something amiss with their physical well-being. Joy and wellness go hand in hand; both constitute choices one makes.
However, to make sound decisions about your well-being, you should prioritize being present over focusing solely on your work performance.
The advancement you’re aiming for, the salary increase, and the ideal home you wish to purchase might all seem appealing. However, think about also taking a stroll, treating yourself to some ice cream, spending quality time with your children, reconnecting with an old friend, savoring those relaxed Sunday afternoons, giving back to a worthy cause through volunteer work, and simply carving out moments to unwind and get adequate rest. These simple pleasures come at no expense. True happiness doesn’t stem from outward achievements but rather from within.
For example, consumerism has repeatedly shown that owning many items does not necessarily lead to happiness.
Just like a child giving a child a lot of toys and equating the feeling to this child being in the arms of his parents. The same can be said that chasing money or working for money brings little joy.
The objective in life is to achieve clarity. Being firmly grounded within oneself and internally consistent allows one to discern the disorder surrounding us, setting individuals apart.
The capacity for an individual to “BE” through experiencing safety, authenticity, and self-recognition (self-awareness). Synchronizing their internal compass rather than external metrics fundamentally shapes their attitude toward work.
Rather than exerting effort today to earn money only to spend that money on health issues tomorrow, it’s crucial to strike a balance between your well-being and your job. Keep in mind that in a society fixated on rapidity and success, taking things slow can seem like a sign of frailty.
However, this can become an asset as it provides room for breathing, contemplation, and renewal, allowing us to begin anew. Slowing down doesn’t mean lagging behind; rather, it ensures we progress in the correct path. Within the calm, we discover lucidity, fortitude, and insight needed to craft a life true to our essence.
Living isn’t a competition.
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The individual who founded Nalike Africa serves as a leadership facilitator, has authored publications including “Life Beyond the Ordinary” and “Minerals for the Mind,” mentors startups, and advises boards. This person is an alum of both Anant National University in India and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. At Harvard Business School, they completed a certificate course titled ‘Power and Influence for Positive Impact.’ They may be contacted through various means.
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