The path toward a competitive workplace is Happiness

The average American works between 43 and 51 hours each week, according to the American Dream Project. Is this making us more productive? No. In fact, the United States is placed eighth in terms of productivity, trailing countries such as Norway, Italy, and France. People in those countries, however, work shorter hours. So, what will increase our productivity?

To begin, it is critical to understand that the average individual is only productive for 5 hours per day, despite the fact that our average workday is 8 hours long, with fewer people taking breaks and vacations than ever before. Second, it is critical to distinguish between Americans' greater living standards and happiness. Our greater level of living is primarily attributable to our longer work hours and larger spending habits, but it does not make Americans more productive or happy. In reality, it merely contributes to increase our exhaustion. The American Dream Project goes on to explain that this tiredness reduces our productivity while driving us to engage in things that aren't necessarily related to happiness, but are just escape.

So, how can businesses increase productivity while reducing stress? Concentrate on your staff. Companies with the happiest employees are also the most productive, according to the Great Place to Work Institute. But, contrary to popular opinion, money does not purchase happiness at work. In fact, there is minimal association between earning more than $50,000 per year and overall happiness. Most individuals define happiness as a lack of stress, trust, and a sense that they matter.

What can an organization do to create trust and a sense that they matter if happiness is derived from trust and a sense that they matter? A corporation must first and foremost have a management team that fosters a sense of trust and compassion. One strategy to foster a caring workplace is to give services that improve the lives of employees, such as a concierge service.

Concierge services provided as an employee benefit gives employees a tangible view that their employer cares about their personal needs as well as their productivity. This promotes loyalty and productivity. It is a useful and inexpensive way to provide for employees needs, and it will help in lowering employee’s stress levels. In fact, one company funded a study that showed 62 percent of employees would like help in getting things done and believed that the help would lower the stress in their lives. Also, 50 percent of those surveyed would pay to have more time with their families.

These figures support the American Dream Project's contention that happiness is not always related to money, but rather to one's way of life. If you believe your firm may benefit from an increase in productivity and employee loyalty, it may be time to take a closer look at what your employees require. Consider concierge services to bring a little light into your employees' lives and witness how your work environment transforms into a positive, productive setting.