Happy employees are more engaged with their work, and more creative and motivated, according to Michelle Falzon, founder of Positive Wellbeing Education and emcee for the upcoming Workplace Health and Safety Show.
Falzon said there’s good reason for organisations to address psychosocial hazards in the workplace and to prioritise the wellbeing of workers. According to a study by the University of Oxford, happy employees are up to 13 per cent more productive, making their companies more successful.
“Adopting positive psychology in the workplace can have a significant impact on employee happiness, as it is demonstrated to create a positive work environment, improve employee wellbeing and productivity, and foster a culture of engagement and creativity,” said Falzon.
To help Australian employers explore sustainable positive psychology and the coaching techniques that can be implemented in their organisations, Falzon will be presenting a workshop on 20 September as part of the Workplace Health and Safety Show’s Knowledge Centre program.
Positive Psychology explained
Positive psychology has gained a lot of attention in recent years, because it focuses on the study of human strengths and potential, positive emotions, and wellbeing – all of which are integral to thriving workplaces.
“Besides promoting better mental health among employees, the adoption of positive psychology in the workplace is good for the business’ bottom line. Gallup’s Q12 meta-analysis reveals that companies with more engaged employees experience 81 per cent lower absenteeism, 43 per cent lower staff turnover and achieve 23 per cent higher profitability,” said Falzon.
Small actions for positive change
Falzon highlights some simple ways that positive psychology can be applied in organisations, with great effect:
Helping employees identify and develop their strengths: This leads to an increased sense of competence and confidence, greater job satisfaction and better performance. In turn, this fosters greater engagement and productivity.
Cultivating resilience: This enables employees to better manage challenges and stress, leading to greater wellbeing and productivity.
Providing meaningful work: Providing employees with work that is challenging, rewarding and aligned with their values can increase their sense of purpose and motivation.
Building positive relationships: Positive psychology recognises the importance of social connections in promoting wellbeing. Encouraging positive interactions among employees and creating a sense of community, through team-building activities or social events, can lead to increased job satisfaction, better communication and improved teamwork.
Gratitude and appreciation: This is a key component of positive psychology. Organisations can foster this by encouraging employees to recognise and thank each other for their contributions, and by showing appreciation for a job well done.
Positive feedback: Giving positive feedback can have a powerful impact on employee motivation and engagement. “Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of providing constructive feedback in a supportive, non-judgmental way,” reiterates Michelle.
Mindfulness: This is a practice that involves being fully present and aware of the moment. It has been shown to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. Organisations can encourage mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga to help employees manage stress and improve focus.
Falzon’s workshop session is part of the Workplace Health and Safety Show’s comprehensive two-day education program that covers everything from employee mental health to road safety and new safety technology. The Workplace Health and Safety Show also offers an exhibition featuring 120+ exhibitors showcasing the latest tools, tech and safety services.
