Most of us view happiness as the feel good emotion. However scientists of positive psychology define happiness with relation to achieving a goal. John Locke wrote, “the business of man is to be happy,” so it would be fair to say that the business of companies is to  improve the happiness of their  internal and external customers. The happiness strategies related to those exceptional flourishing companies is the recognition of the consumer-oriented, experience-related economy of today, where customers happiness is crucial for successful organizations. What separates the exceptional from the average organization is the happiness mindset mimicked from consumers standards. Happy consumer finds meaning in what they buy. The flourishing companies have figured this out. These strategies therefore have become central to their approach to business.  Here are a few happiness strategies that organizations can implement for the long term, from the inside out:

1. Authentic Leadership :Taking an interest in your employees and the meaning behind their job not only is an appreciative gesture it is an authentic one. People are better focused with clear and intentional goals from transparent leaders. Employees want to feel connected, as engaged staff is a happy staff and a happy staff is a productive one. A 2011 Gallup poll found that 71 percent of American employees are disengaged from their workplace. What this means is that employees are void of the many benefits related to an engaged staff, at it’s worst this means they are contaminating the surrounding environment and giving customers a bad experience.
2. Making a Difference:A company culture who is making a difference is empowering to it’s employees as well as their customers. Everyone wants to be part of a story. Those who are feeling fulfilled by an experience is a person who embraces a meaningfulness in their purpose. When you feel good, the chances of repeating the behavior is more likely.  Robust brands have benefited from the “feel good” psychology and expanded their product line because of it, brands such as, McDonald’s” Happy Meal”, Apples iphone and the ultimate driving experience of BMW.
3. Employee Autonomy:Gone are the days of micromanagement, people want to feel they have control over their personal and professional destinies. Importance is placed on what we do and why we do it rather than hours worked.
4. Work Integration:Is the new life balance; working effectively so one can have more time for yourself, family, friends and life.
5. Customer Engagement:The best business for any organization is repeat business. Customer engagement is crucial to the sustainability of a products life cycle and to the “happynomics” of  the organization. Getting customers to engage in your brand is more likely to convert them as a buyer and a repeat customer.

The question remains what can you do to go from good to great in your workplace?

Client Feedback on our Employee Assistance Program

Maggie Staggs,  Registered Nurse P.O.Box 5566, Dubai 

15 November 2002

I am an Australian expatriate,  currently working in Dubai and attending  part-time postgraduate studies at the Dubai Campus of the Wollongong University of Australia. In August I felt the need to seek counseling and asked U.O.W. for a contact.  She gave me the Employee Assistance Program brochure…..

I write this letter to you to convey how positively the EAP Program has assisted me personally.  I have been seeing Dr. George Kaliaden  since mid-August, initially for one hour weekly for two months and now about every three weeks.

I was quite surprised how quickly we addressed many issues and separated the areas of difficulty. So much more came up for me on a personal level relating to childhood and self, which was unexpected. Dr. Kaliaden initiated a personality test and an I.Q. test, both of which have dramatically positively enhanced my understanding of my own behaviour traits and my level of ability and confidence academically.  I feel my most effective results have been releasing past paternal issues.  This has  reduced my general level of anger and reaction and I find myself communicating more effectively in general.  It has been important for me to identify the difference between aggressive and assertive behaviour and to work on relaxation techniques to modify my responses.

I have enjoyed Dr. Kaliaden’s relaxed and kind manner which have been imperative for me to build trust.  He has been systematic and given me continued positive reinforcement and support. We have shared humour, which has helped  alleviate stress and I have looked forward immensely to the sessions.  Although not all my troubles are resolved, I certainly feel more able to deal with them and move on.

I must thank you for providing a psychological service in Dubai, where it is often difficult to find comparable “western” standard support services.  To have this available at such high professional standing in Dr. Kaliaden is indeed commendable.   With thanks for supporting those of us in The Gulf who truly appreciate this.

Yours sincerely,

Maggie Staggs, R.N.

 ( You have my permission to publish this letter  on the web site www.psychologist.ae )