How to be Happy
We know that when people use their strengths everyday they are happier and report higher levels of over-all well being. Countless research has shown that when people are happier, as a result of using their strengths effectively, they are more engaged, perform better and produce the very benefits that organisations are looking for – increased productivity, engagement, employee retention and higher profitability.
There has been a skepticism in business about embracing the benefits that come from focusing on ways to increase the happiness and well-being of employees. It is often seen as a soft approach that neither produces results or impacts on the bottom line. It is something that has been shoved under the carpet because, for most people, there has always been a focus on what we aren’t good at from the very moment we were born right through to our adult working years.
But times are changing.
A Minister of Happiness and Tolerance was recently created in the United Arab Emirates. In a post commenting on the reasons for making this decision HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Rule of Dubai, said:
‘Focusing on happiness is both feasible and fully justified…Studies have shown that happy people produce more, live longer and drive better economic development in their communities and countries. We will seek to create a society where our people’s happiness is paramount, by sustaining an environment in which they can truly flourish.’
Sheikh Mohammed's inspiring letter of the future of the UAE has now gone viral. Living in Dubai it's incredibly exciting to think that the UAE is at the forefront of creating a movement towards a world where individuals are given the opportunity to be happy and play to their strengths, because when we do the results are nothing short of amazing.
When we work to people’s strengths, rather than focusing on what is wrong with them, we are asking them to do more of what they enjoy and do best. And as research has shown, using your strengths is associated with significantly higher levels of happiness, well-being and fulfilment. When we operate from our strengths we feel truly authentic and in touch with ourselves because we are acting in ways that feels true to ourselves.
This year, Millennials, adults aged between 18 to 34, will make up 1 in 3 of the workforce and this number is expected to grow as more graduate from college and enter the workplace.
We have seen from the work we are doing with people in this age group taking theClifton StrengthsFinder assessment that they need flexibility. They live in the moment and enjoy detours from their plans and want a future that is dynamic and ever-changing. They are extremely flexible and are comfortable with change. If these needs aren’t met they may come across as indecisive and lacking in direction, common complaints from parents and bosses of a millennial. Understanding how they work best and what they need to do their best everyday is becoming increasingly important. This might mean working from home or being able to work different hours than the standard set by the organisation.
Another theme we are seeing is the need to learn and grow. Millennials want to find their purpose and be passionate about what they are doing. They need interaction with other people they can learn from to help fulfill these needs and given the chance to add to their knowledge, Whilst its tempting during difficult times to cut training and development budgets and re-structure, in cutting off their opportunity to learn a Millennial will be likely to seek employment elsewhere.
As someone based in the Middle East that is passionate about strengths this is a huge step forward in helping move towards our vision for the future - a world where people are able to focus on what they do best. Because we know that when people are supported to understand and apply their strengths, they will be happy.
