Positivity at Work Benefits

The Benefits of Creating a Positive Work Environment

Well-being is defined in the workplace as high levels of motivation and engagement, quality relationships, effective communication, respect, trust, fairness, and strong leadership. When employees experience high levels of well-being, productivity and client satisfaction increases, and that results in higher profits.

The earmark of a successful company is measured, not only by a profitable bottom line, but also by the level of well-being its employees report. The benefits of creating a positive work environment are backed by significant research in the fields of positive psychology and organizational development.

In a Harvard Business School article, authored in 2015 by Emma Seppala and Kim Cameron, it is noted that “a large and growing body of research on positive organizational psychology demonstrates that not only is a cut-throat environment harmful to productivity over time, but that a positive environment will lead to dramatic benefits for employers, employees, and the bottom line.”


Seven Compelling Reasons to Create a Positive Work Culture

When we talk about positivity, we don’t mean a yellow smiley face decal. Positivity plays an important role in the health and well-being of your company and your employees. Here are seven ways you can benefit by incorporating the science of positivity into your day to day business.

  1. When employees report a high level of well being, their performance, morale, and commitment go up, while absenteeism, turnover, and burn out go down.
  2. Resilient employees are more likely to learn from mistakes and move on while their less resilient counterparts focus on the mistake and ruminate themselves into decision-making paralysis.
  3. Employees who find meaning and purpose at work are more competent, committed, and contributing. This leads to better financial results.
  4. A recent Gallup Poll shows that only 30% of employees report being engaged at work. Yet, studies show that engagement at work fosters loyalty, commitment, and productivity.
  5. Employees who have strong relationships—even a best friend at work—are seven times more likely to be highly engaged at their jobs, resulting in increased productivity.
  6. When employees work in an environment where gratitude is regularly expressed, they are more alert, attentive and creative.
  7. Optimism is a thinking style, not a personality trait. This means that optimism can be learned. Optimism and hope are associated with better social relationships, improved physical health and flexibility in thinking.