January 31, 2011 / Ian Gotts

#486 What makes employees happy

Interestingly, the answer isn’t “More money” or even “Less work”. From extensive research it seesm to be “More fulfilling”. I guess that makes sense. You hear of people who die the moment they retire and those who die of overwork. 95% of those who win the lottery are worse off after 3 years – emotionally, socially and financially. Fact.

So what was the research and is it statistically significant? Yes. Harvard Business Review highlighted the research in their Top 10 breakthrough ideas for 2010.

What was fascinating was the yawning gap between what leaders thought motivated staff “Recognition for good work (either public or private)” and what employees demanded which was progress. On days when workers have the sense they’re making headway in their jobs, or when they receive support that helps them overcome obstacles, their emotions are most positive and their drive to succeed is at its peak. On days when they feel they are spinning their wheels or encountering roadblocks to meaningful accomplishment, their moods and motivation are lowest.