Instead of the usual Thank God Its Friday (TGIF), have you or a co-worker ever said Thank God It’s Monday?
Probably not! While Friday’s are seen as the equivalent of winning the weekday lottery, Monday’s at work usually elicit the complete opposite feeling.
Monday’s have unfortunately acquired a notorious reputation because they signal the long week ahead and a never-ending to-do list. But since people put in over 80,000 hours at work across a lifetime, a good chunk of time is spent dreading the ‘Monday Blues’.
Interestingly enough, a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that ‘Monday Blues’ are actually a myth, and that people’s mood on a Monday is no different than their mood throughout the week.
So, what’s the secret?
Work culture.
Employees typically feel happier when they are valued and respected both for who they are and what they contribute. Thus, creating a culture where employees look forward to Mondays has a positive impact on their overall well-being.
In our pursuit of happiness, a large amount of happiness revolves around the workplace. Everything from where we live to the choices that we make on an everyday basis impact our mental well-being.
But is Happiness a Science?
It actually is! You’ve probably heard the term ‘positive psychology’? Simply stated, it is the study of the ‘good life’. Also known as the ‘science of happiness’, it takes into account the strengths and virtues that enable individuals, communities, and organizations to thrive.
At its core, positive psychology is centered around helping people become happier.
Martin E.P. Seligman, one of the key founders of of positive psychology, has described its core philosophy as a “build what’s strong” approach. It can be used to increase happiness, satisfaction, and productivity at work. Positive emotions are linked to improved health, mental well-being, and greater quality of life.
Positive Psychology thus focuses on exploring the science behind positive emotions such as hope, gratitude, optimism, and happiness.
Cultivating Workplace Happiness with Positive Psychology
By examining ‘what makes life most worth living’, positive psychology looks at what works, instead of what doesn’t. For example, rather than drawing attention to workplace stress, burnout, pressure and deadlines, Positive Psychology creates an environment for employees to flourish at work.
A company’s bottom line is positively impacted when investments are made in enriching their employees’ psychological capital. Therefore, organizations can reap its benefits by utilizing positive psychology tools and interventions at work.
77% of people who feel that they are using their strengths at work, experience a sense of engagement and flourishing. Positive Psychology helps individuals, teams, and leaders identify their strengths so that they can put their best foot forward.
2.Foster an attitude of gratitude
88% of people feel better about themselves after being thanked by a colleague. Gratitude is beyond just saying ‘thank you’. Fostering gratitude is an applied Positive Psychology tool that builds a culture of appreciation and leads to a happier work environment.
Happiness research states that the connections we make influence our well-being. Being aware of the environment at work will help organizations shape their teams into supportive, encouraging, and engaged people to work with. Leading psychologists have found that when employees utilize their strengths in creative ways, they experience higher levels of happiness and lower levels of depression.
The bottom line is that people thrive when they are happier.
It’s high time that organizations adopt the science of happiness to build employee engagement and enhance workplace well-being.
Talk to us today to learn more about Positive Psychology workplace interventions!
