Mojo-Making | The Role of Happiness in the Workplace
You have a hard-working, dedicated team, but today’s world is challenging. Our customers demand more; every day, there is a new technology or a new skill they need to learn in order to be on top of their game. Those long, grueling days can leave them feeling drained, anxious, and unhappy. Many of us are all too familiar with this scenario, where the demands of work overshadow our well-being, with happiness in the workplace a far and distant dream.
I’ve been in this place more times than I care to admit, and on those days, one of the things ings that made me happy was my cat, Oliver. (Not to be confused with Dazzle, whose food I once mistakenly ate for dinner. [link to previous blog])
Like many pet owners claim, I truly believe Oliver is the cutest cat ever. No matter what mood I'm in, spending time with Oliver positively recalibrates me.
Maybe I could bring him to work and when I travel? I would often think.
Hmmm. Not practical.
Of course, that would be impossible. Unfortunately, not all of your employees have an adorable cat they can hug during a particularly challenging or stressful day. However, finding personal moments of joy, like those minutes with Oliver, is important for maintaining focus, high energy, and morale, which are the first to go when the going gets tough in the office.
The good news is that these small, happy moments are easy to create and can significantly enhance your team’s performance, workplace engagement and job satisfaction when introduced throughout the workday.
I call this Mojo-Making.
What is Mojo-Making?
Happiness is not a destination. It is a journey, a series of micro-moments we pass through. That's the essence of Mojo-Making: creating intentional acts of happiness that are repeatable and just as proactive as reactive.
When woven into our daily lives, these intentional acts of joy can transform our experiences at work and beyond. My Happiness Survey shows that only 5% of people are consistently happy. As a leader, it’s part of your job to provide tools for them to maximize their potential. We need to give employees environments where they can focus on the task, learn, and be change-resilient to pivot, maximize opportunities, and conquer challenges. Our job is to enable them with a positive energy and environment for maximum engagement at work and, ultimately, in life.
Benefits of Mojo-Making in Corporations
One Harvard Business Review study states, "Being happy at work isn’t just a win for employees; it’s also a win for employers." Research supports this connection between happiness and productivity, showing that happy workers can lead to a 13% increase in productivity.
Additionally, the staggering cost of unhappiness at work also amounts to $8.8 trillion in lost productivity, equivalent to 9% of the global GDP.
Embracing Mojo-Making is a strategic move that aligns employee well-being with corporate goals, creating a thriving work environment where people and profits can grow. In writing my book, Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More By Doing Less, I found that being in the presence of a happy person can enhance everyone’s mood by 87% – that is the contagious power of positivity!
When employees are happier, morale naturally rises, paving the way for increased productivity and efficiency. This boost in morale enhances individual performance and creates a cohesive and supportive workplace culture. As happiness flows through the organization, it cultivates an atmosphere where creativity and collaboration can flourish, ultimately driving overall organizational success.
Mojo-Makers in the Workplace
As a leader, you may have noticed that there are three distinct types of individuals on your team, each influencing the environment in different ways:
Mojo Makers are inspiring individuals who uplift others, bringing positive energy and motivation wherever they go.
Energy Zappers focus on negativity and complaints, often draining the enthusiasm and spirit of those around them.
Middle Roaders recognize the value of happiness but struggle to prioritize it amidst their busy lives.
You naturally want to work to turn the Middle Roaders into Mojo Makers or minimally turn Energy Zappers into Middle Roaders.
Practical Tips for Creating a Happy Work Culture
The first thing to do is ask your employees what brings them joy. The great divide between personal and professional life has disappeared for most employees. Values no longer are just the things we deem important in our personal lives, but they now transcend our entire lives. Knowing this gives you an opportunity to connect with employees on what is important to them and help contribute to their overall happiness.
Here are some additional key strategies you can give your employees (and self-implement):
Determine Their Non-Negotiables: The easiest way to manage non-negotiables is to schedule them into your day as you would any important appointment. They can take a five-minute break every hour or make a gratitude list at the beginning of their shift.
Focus on Self-Care: Self-care isn't just about spa days or Netflix binges with a pumpkin spice latte. It’s about the daily process of sustaining your mental, physical, emotional, and physical health. Consider scheduling a mid-day yoga class for your team, which can benefit their self-care and foster team bonding.
Create Happiness Rituals: Remember those happiness rituals? Give your employees space to create their own and partake in them every day. Offer pieces of chocolate, quiet spaces to read, or a 5-minute dance party to get the office going (however, always give the option to anyone to “opt out” and do something else they enjoy instead).
Become a Mojo-Maker for Others: Surround yourself with people who are also Mojo Makers. Their energy is contagious and can lift everyone’s spirits, making the workplace a more inspiring and supportive environment.
By integrating these practices, workplaces can transform into spaces where happiness is not just an aspiration but a daily reality.
Are You Ready to Make Some Mojo?
Incorporating Mojo Making into the workplace is a powerful step towards creating a happier, more productive environment for both you and your employees. By understanding the transformative impact of happiness rituals, companies can create a culture that not only uplifts morale but also enhances overall performance.
Interested more in balancing happiness with productivity? Preorder my upcoming book, Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More By Doing Less. Grounded in deep research, including the results of a first-of-its-kind 2023 Busy Report, my three-step Busy-Busting Process has been proven to eliminate unintentional busyness, ignite the power of happiness, and unlock a more meaningful life.
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