Great Lakes Wire

Earlier this week, a story from Harvard Business Review highlighted the importance of prioritizing joy in the workplace. Joy is an intrinsic human desire that connects people more powerfully than almost any other experience. When employees experience joy at work, they are more engaged, motivated, and productive. Unfortunately, while 90% of employees expect to feel joy at work, only 37% actually do. Leaders have the ability to change this.

Joy emerges from a blend of harmony, impact, and recognition — all of which can be fostered by business leaders within their organizations similarly to how sports teams function.

Harmony: Successful teams thrive when each member plays a distinct role in achieving the collective goal. One person might excel at passing, another at scoring, and yet another might bring unmatched energy and competitive spirit. When the diverse talents and strengths of team members align and work seamlessly together, it creates a sense of fulfillment. It’s important that each employee realizes that their contribution matters.

Impact: Harmony within the team naturally leads to making an impact, which enhances joy. Think about a sports team when they score – their expressions and celebrations reflect the shared amazement of their accomplishment: “Can you believe we just did that?!”

Recognition: Effective coaches often encourage their players to immediately acknowledge the teammates who set up scoring opportunities. Recognizing and celebrating each person’s contributions drives the entire cycle of joy and success.

Leaders play a crucial role in fostering a joyful work environment. Here are some strategies to increase joy at work:

Encourage Authentic Connections: Promote open communication and collaboration among team members. Break down silos and create opportunities for employees to connect on a personal level.

Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate both individual and team accomplishments. Recognition boosts morale and reinforces a positive work culture.

Foster a Sense of Purpose: Help employees understand how their work contributes to the organization’s mission and goals. When employees see the impact of their efforts, they are more likely to feel fulfilled and joyful.

Support Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Flexible work arrangements and wellness programs can help reduce stress and increase overall happiness.

Incorporating joy into the workplace is not just a feel-good initiative; it is a strategic approach to enhancing employee engagement and productivity. By prioritizing joy, leaders can create a more connected, motivated, and successful workforce.

At ASE (American Society of Employers), employee successes are celebrated at every all-team meeting each month – no matter how big or small they may seem. The organization also strives to create a fun working environment through its Fun Committee, which organizes monthly "just for fun" events for the team.

Mary E. Corrado encourages readers to share how they incorporate joy into their workplaces by emailing her at mcorrado@aseonline.org.

By Mary E. Corrado