How Happy Are Your People At Work? with Eric Karpinski
Mar 4, 2021
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Eric Karpinski, known for his work in bringing positive psychology tools to workplaces, discusses the misconceptions of employee engagement and emphasizes the importance of employee happiness and activated positive emotions. He explores the connection between happiness and well-being, ways to activate positive emotions in individuals experiencing negative states, and the potential of stress as a positive force. Additionally, they discuss strategies for challenging beliefs and assumptions to improve decision-making and prevent conflicts at work.
Leaders should focus on creating activated positive emotions in the workplace to truly engage employees.
Stress can be harnessed as a powerful tool for performance and growth if individuals adopt a challenge mindset and find meaning in stressful situations.
Deep dives
Redefining Employee Engagement
Traditional approaches to employee engagement focus on organizational benefits and outcomes, leading to feelings of being overworked without adequate compensation. To truly engage employees, leaders should shift the focus towards creating activated positive emotions in the workplace. When employees feel inspired, enthusiastic, and proud, they become more engaged and motivated to contribute. By emphasizing happiness and creating a sense of belonging, leaders can align the team's efforts and foster a more positive work environment where everyone feels motivated and fulfilled. This shift in perspective can lead to increased productivity, engagement, and overall well-being.
Understanding the Relationship Between Happiness and Well-being
Happiness and well-being are closely intertwined, with happiness encompassing all positive emotions and well-being encompassing aspects such as relationships, meaning, and accomplishments. Happiness can be seen as the experience of positive emotions, including joy, gratitude, contentment, and love. Well-being includes these positive emotions along with engagement and a sense of meaning and fulfillment. While the two concepts overlap significantly, organizations can choose whether to emphasize happiness or well-being, depending on what resonates most with their workforce. The key is to meet employees where they are and create strategies that cater to their specific needs and values.
Utilizing Stress and Embracing Negative Emotions
Stress is often seen as detrimental, but it can be harnessed as a powerful tool for performance and growth. Shifting the mindset around stress and recognizing its role in preparing us for action can help individuals leverage stress to meet challenges effectively. Stress can be seen as a continuum ranging from a threat response (causing anxiety and distraction) to a challenge response (driving focus, problem-solving, and growth). By adopting a challenge mindset and finding meaning in stressful situations, individuals can redirect their energy towards productive problem-solving and goal achievement. Additionally, embracing necessary negative emotions allows for learning and growth, while minimizing gratuitous negative emotions helps avoid unproductive rumination and catastrophizing.
Developing Team Habits for Happiness and Engagement
Creating team habits that promote happiness and engagement can greatly impact workplace dynamics. One effective practice is Connection Meditation, adapted from loving-kindness meditation, where individuals send positive wishes to others, fostering empathy and connection. Team habits should also prioritize social connection, appreciation, and helping employees bring their authentic selves to work. Ice-breaking questions, like sharing personal photos or discussing future plans, can create bonds and spark conversations. Additionally, dedicating time for informal chit-chat before or after meetings allows for more organic connections to form. By implementing these small yet impactful habits consistently, organizations can cultivate a positive and engaged work environment.
Eric Karpinski has been on the cutting edge of bringing positive psychology tools to workplaces for over 10 years with clients that include Intel, Facebook, IBM, T-Mobile, and many others where he has helped managers and executives lead with positive emotions to drive team productivity, engagement, and performance. He is a key member of Shawn Achor’s GoodThink team and Eric’s new book, Put Happiness to Work, has just been released and we highly recommend it.
In this week’s episode, we explore tiny evidence-based actions and habits you can take to improve levels of happiness and engagement for yourself and others as you work.
Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.
You can also listen to all the episodes of Making Positive Psychology Work streamed directly to your smartphone or iPad through stitcher. No need for downloading or syncing.
Until next time, take care! Thank you, Eric!
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