For a thriving workplace, try a little happiness

New research on human experience in the workplace reveals happiness as the key ingredient for engagement and productivity

Does your workplace foster happiness? Nearly 70 percent of employees globally agree that happiness at work is the best ingredient for a unique work experience, according to JLL’s latest study on how to drive human experience in corporate workplaces. Companies that are grappling with some of today’s workplace complexities like the increasing mobile and multi-generational workforce, now see the direct correlation between a productive workplace and a healthy balance sheet.

“The future of work requires a change of mind set on how we think about the workplace,” says John Forrest, Global and Americas CEO, Corporate Solutions, JLL. “Our research shows that a positive workplace experience leads to happiness and that in turn, improves productivity and quality of life. Companies should think about how their real estate offers the right locations, technology and design in order to capture the best from their employees.”

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JLL’s new research, Workplace powered by Human Experience, examines how workplace experience and a focus on people can help businesses thrive in the new world of work. The study found that workplaces in the U.S. are beginning to embrace the Human Experience model and, in fact:

• Nearly 90 percent of U.S. employees say the idea of a Chief Happiness Officer at work, dedicated to employee wellbeing, is a good idea.
• 71 percent of U.S. employees agree that their workspace allows them to work effectively, more than the global average of 52 percent.
• 64 percent of U.S. employees say they are very engaged, more than the global average of only 40 percent.
• 70 percent of U.S. employees would trade an enclosed office for an open-plan work space in exchange for access to innovative environments such as community, collaborating or creative workspaces.
• Employees in the U.S. and India value creativity and were most likely to say that a workplace that facilitates creativity would provide a unique work experience.
• Employees in the U.S., India, China, Italy and South Africa are also more likely than those elsewhere to prefer spaces to express a need for regeneration and inspiration.

“Human Experience is about how the work environment ultimately impacts company performance, not just its culture,” said Marie Puybaraud, Global Head of Corporate Research at JLL. “Our study shows that work places and work spaces have a key role to play, both strategically and operationally, in fostering engagement, empowerment and fulfilment at work.”