It may not be possible to buy happiness, but organizations around the world are attempting to offer it, for free, at work.
The idea is that by creating a truly experiential environment, employers can enable employees to feel engaged, empowered and fulfilled whenever and wherever they do their work.
But can happiness on the job really be dictated by the place where that job happens? Isn’t it possible to have a beautiful office, and a miserable workforce? The answer is, it’s complicated. A tyrannical manager, for example, can cast a shadow over any great space, just as an engaged team might be happily doing their job out of a basement.
Still, there is mounting evidence to suggest that a workplace that sparks an emotional connection for people can in fact profoundly influence their professional happiness. And vice versa. In a recent global survey, roughly 70 percent of employees said that happiness at work is the best ingredient for a unique work experience, according to new JLL research.
“Happiness is defined as ‘a pleasurable or satisfying experience,’” says Marie Puybaraud, Global Head of Research, JLL. “In the future of work, experience really should be a major focus to drive a high level of satisfaction from work. People are craving authenticity in their lives—and their careers.”