Work and Happiness

Work

• Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's research demonstrates work can be a major source of happiness.
• Flow Theory: Positive experiences are most likely when challenges and skills are high, leading to enjoyment, capability stretching, new skill learning, and increased self-esteem.
• Csikszentmihalyi and LeFevre (1989) found people experience 'flow' situations more at work than during leisure (more than three times as much).
• Working environments may offer more opportunities for positive experiences.
• If workers recognized work's potential enjoyment, they might work more effectively and improve their quality of life.

Work - A Deeper Look

• The idea of finding happiness in work isn't new (attributed to Confucius, 551 BC).
• Positive psychology provides empirical support for this already known concept.
• The link between money and happiness is weak.
  • Diener et al. (1993) found a modest correlation of +0.12 between income and happiness.
    $r = +0.12$
• In poorer societies, money and work for money are more important.
• The Western world has the luxury of seeking happiness through work.

Social Implications

• Positive approach extends to group and community well-being.
• Thriving communities have institutions that support individuals in being better citizens.
• The Conservative government's 'big society' initiative (April 2015):
  • Companies with >250 employees required to offer three days of volunteering per year.
  • Claim: Volunteering improves morale, well-being, and productivity.
    N_{employee} > 250

Economic Implications

• Unhappiness and stress lead to high costs for businesses and the economy.
  • Staff sickness, 'presenteeism', and staff turnover cost the UK economy £26 billion per year (Foresight, UK Government, 2008).
• Oswald et al. (2009) found happy workers are 12% more productive.
  $P<em>{happy} = 1.12 \times P</em>{average}$
• Google example:
  • Increased maternity leave (3 months to flexible 5 months).
  • Lower staff turnover.
  • Female staff leaving decreased by 50% due to improved working conditions.
• Monitoring and improving workforce well-being has evident economic impact on a small scale.
• Wider adoption requires positive psychology to demonstrate these benefits on a larger scale.
• Employers may be hesitant to invest in employee well-being due to economic uncertainty.

Relevance of Positive Psychology

• Positive psychology IS relevant: Leisure and lifestyle advice
• Positive psychology IS NOT relevant: Leisure and lifestyle advice
• Leisure activities may increase flow experiences are hhibited to many either because of a lack of