Employee happiness is a key element of organizational growth and prosperity. Simply put: A happy employee is a productive and innovative one, who actively contributes to achieving the organization's goals. 

Creating a positive and engaging work environment that promotes job satisfaction and meets employees' needs is not just a "nice-to-have" policy, it is a real and tangible investment in an organization's future. That said, in order to achieve the highest levels of employee happiness, organisations need to focus on building a work environment that incubates contentment and an overall quality of life, on an ongoing basis.

Work-life balance is one of the key pillars in promoting job satisfaction. Allowing employees the opportunity to balance their professional and personal lives has clearly shown to optimise worktime performance. Indeed, many successful organisations offer a variety of work options to cater to this optimisation. This can include the introduction of flexible hours or remote working, which ultimately leads to relieving daily stress and enhance overall job satisfaction.

Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning also play a key role in employee morale and happiness. It is increasingly noted that employees feel valued when an organisation invests in their professional development, leading to increased job satisfaction and long-term loyalty, all of which helps build a positive organisational culture that will see employees motivated to engage in their own proactive learning and development. 

Mental health and well-being in the workplace are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for organizations seeking sustainable success. Mentally healthy employees are more productive, creative, and loyal to the organization. An employee's state of mind has a direct impact on professional performance, with stress and anxiety a contributor to lower productivity, increased errors, and higher rates of absenteeism. In addition, a work environment that fosters collaboration and effective communication between employees, has been shown to improve working relationships between employees and serves to support positive mental health outcomes. 

Transparency, effective communication, and continuous recognition are among the key factors influencing employee happiness. Transparency gives employees a sense of being informed and involved in decision-making, which - in turn - fosters a sense of trust and belonging. 

Transparency also facilitates the exchange of ideas and spreads a spirit of collaboration and innovation within the team. Regular recognition can give employees a sense of respect and appreciation, which motivates them to work harder and be more creative, instilling the feeling that their contributions are seen and valued. Indeed, when these three elements combine, a positive work environment in which employees feel valued, motivated, and committed is created, leading to even greater success for the organization.

Jasim Haddad 

Chief Executive Officer of Support Services Sector, Federal Tax Authority