Combining Performance and Happiness in the Workplace
Discover how balancing employee performance and happiness can drive success in the workplace and create a thriving organizational culture.
Posted by
Alex相关文章
Discover how to face dilemmas with positive psychology and neuroscience. Learn strategies to leverage strengths and cultivate a growth mindset.
Contemplation and Positive Psychology: Deepening Self-Awareness for Greater Well-Being
Explore how the practice of contemplation aligns with positive psychology principles and contributes to emotional resilience, mindfulness, and overall happiness.
Dukkha: Understanding Suffering and How Positive Psychology Can Help Transform It
Explore the Buddhist concept of dukkha (suffering) and learn how positive psychology can offer practical tools to cope with and transform suffering into growth and resilience.
最新文章
Whiteland: A Clay Stop-Motion Parable of Self-Acceptance
A deep-dive into Ira Elshansky’s 2017 short *Whiteland*—plus three hands-on exercises for embracing imperfection.
Russian vs American Cultural Psychology
Explore how high-context Russian and low-context American cultures shape distinct psychological toolkits—from language and self-construal to emotion, time, and power.
25 Essential Parenting Books for New Moms, Dads & Couples (2025 edition)
From brain-science classics to tech-wise handbooks and relationship savers, here are 25 must-read parenting books—plus Amazon links—to guide you through pregnancy, infancy and the chaotic toddler years.
Introduction
Both job performance and employees' levels of happiness are crucial to the success of an organization. A balanced approach that integrates effective performance management with strategies to enhance employee happiness can significantly contribute to achieving and sustaining organizational goals.
Preference in Employees
Which type of employee would you prefer to have more of in your organization?
- A. Happy Low Performers
- B. Unhappy Low Performers
- C. Unhappy High Performers
- D. Happy High Performers
- E. All of the above
Clearly, D. Happy High Performers is the most desirable. Evidence suggests that happy high performers are linked with greater employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, productivity, and profits. Unfortunately, many workplaces are filled with a mix of E. All of the above.
The Performance-Happiness Matrix
The Performance-Happiness Matrix helps analyze employees based on their performance and happiness levels. Here's a breakdown:
Quadrant #1: Happy Low Performers
These employees are content despite their poor performance. They may be optimistic and hopeful, and their performance may improve with training and development.
Quadrant #2: Unhappy Low Performers
Unhappy low performers often suffer due to inadequate performance management, poor fit with job requirements, or lack of recognition. They can negatively affect the work environment and overall performance.
Quadrant #3: Unhappy High Performers
High performers in this quadrant excel in their tasks but are dissatisfied due to lack of challenge or monotonous work. This dissatisfaction can lead to high turnover among talented employees.
Quadrant #4: Happy High Performers
These individuals excel in their roles while maintaining high levels of happiness. They are the ideal employees as they sustain high performance and contribute positively to the work environment.
Characteristics of Happy High Performers
Happy high performers share several traits:
- Clear direction and motivation
- Focus on impactful and influential tasks
- Access to necessary resources
- Positive, engaging work experiences
- Meaningful and purposeful work
- Optimism and resilience
Paths to Enhance Performance and Happiness
To improve both performance and happiness, consider the following:
Increasing Performance
- Develop clear, motivating goals
- Create operational focus
- Efficiently link resources
- Cultivate effective influence and people skills
Increasing Happiness
- Reflect on the Past: Practice gratitude and forgiveness
- Engage in the Present: Seek meaningful work and positive experiences
- Look to the Future: Stay optimistic and set positive goals
A Call to Action
Leaders should strive to increase the number of happy high performers in their organization. Start by evaluating and improving your own performance and happiness, and develop action plans that align with these goals.
By combining effective performance management with strategies to boost employee happiness, organizations can foster a thriving workplace where happy high performers contribute to sustained success.
