Happiness: It's good for your health...and business

Statistics about unemployment, job retention, and overall job satisfaction are easy to find in the news these days—and many of them don't shed positive light on the status of today's economy and workforce. For example, a recent survey demonstrated that employee satisfaction has hit an all-time low, with just 45% of America's workers satisfied with their current job, as compared with 52% in 2005.

A dissatisfied employee is an unhappy employee, an unhappy employee is mostly likely stressed, and as we all know stress is a detriment to our health. It is not merely an emotional threat, but a physical one as well. When we're stressed, we sleep less, get sick more, and work less productively.

Happiness and a positive attitude are good for business. Improved employee morale reduces workplace stress and triggers creativity and collaboration, and happy employees tend to miss less work. When employees are happy, customer and client satisfaction is higher. Business booms. So, perhaps there is something to be said about positive reinforcement...

Employers need to begin thinking of stress reduction and improving employee morale as an integral part of their business strategy. While effectively managing physical risk factors such as weight, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol is critical, emotional well-being cannot go by the wayside. Here are some tips to promote happiness and reduce stress in your workplace:

Allocate time to debrief, share, and be creative
Studies demonstrate that optimism positively affects multiple facets of your life through:

Stress reduction

Improved immunity

Improved respiratory function

Reduced risk of heart disease

Improved overall sense of well-being

Longevity

Reserving dedicated time to calmly debrief, share, collaborate, and be creative with your coworkers can infuse your team with optimism, reduce stress, and improve morale.
Thank your employees

Positive recognition reduces stress. Receiving a compliment from a co-worker can change a seemingly overwhelming situation into a productive one.

Take a "fit break"We all need intermittent breaks to keep us focused and productive. And when we feel overwhelmed, we may be more likely to use our break to eat an unhealthy snack rather than stretch, take a short walk, or find other productive ways to de-stress. Instead of mindlessly eating a chocolate bar for a snack, try gathering with your co-workers for a quick stretch break or walk around the block. You will return to your desk refreshed and refocused. Physical wellness makes your body happy. When your body's happy, so are you!

Encourage yourself
Sure, it might be easy to see what your co-workers do well, but it's often more challenging to self-reflect and appreciate what you do well. Turn any unproductive negative thoughts you have into positive ones. If you find yourself thinking self-critical thoughts, try putting a positive spin on them and remind yourself that you offer your own skills and talents that provide value in the workplace as well.

Be able to say "no"
Identify your priorities; organize your tasks and commitments. If you find yourself with an overcommitted schedule, say "no" to tasks or meetings that aren't a priority or collaborate with a co-worker in order to effectively and efficiently complete the task at hand.