Workplace Happiness Campaign

Introduction

“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” – Dalai Lama.

Within the past few years, the idea of workplace happiness campaigns has become part of the management process to increase work success. Although there are those researchers who would suggest such campaigns are wasteful and ineffective, there are others with more positive views as to how much good they do for employee morale and for the organizational reputation. Proponents, such as Achor (2011), emphasize that workplace happiness leads to productivity and engagement improvements. Opponents such as Spicer and Cederström (2015) fear that happiness is oversold as a panacea for workplace problems, with all too much focus on the affirmative psychology of happiness. In this paper, I propose that organizations adopt a workplace happiness campaign because it enhances employee morale and organizational reputation.

Body Paragraph 1: Boosting Employee Morale

The existence of a workplace happiness campaign can be of tremendous help in boosting employee morale. Yet, despite some critics who claim that an emphasis on happiness puts undue pressure on employees (Mauss et al., 2011), others point to the tangible gains of prioritizing well-being. Before anything, Achor (2011) posits that happy employees are more enthusiastic, creative and productive because happiness encourages agelessness and involvement. For example, Achor shows that happier workers are 37% better at sales, 31% more productive, three times more creative, than their less happy colleagues. These numbers suggest that putting happiness on employees’ priority list is not merely to have a ‘feel good’ project, it is a quantifiable investment in a productive worker. Additionally, happy employees tend to build better relationships at work with their coworkers which subsequently influences team dynamics, and collaboration. Organizations encourage that by selling happiness they contribute directly towards morale and further a ripple effect of employees feeling encouraged to perform at their best. Then, Gruber et al (2012) supports the need of stable, positive emotions in reducing workplace stress and burn out. Happy employees are also a happier work force and are more likely to cope with their challenges thus decreasing absenteeism and presenteeism. For instance, Gruber et al indicate that employees who experience being valued and supported in their work will be less likely to experience anxiety, depression, or stress-induced illnesses. This emotional stability wholistic focus allows employees to be healthier physically and mentally and the result is higher morale and sustained productivity. Finally, real world examples demonstrate the impact that workplace happiness campaigns have on morale. For instance, Google is highly famous for their employee friendly initiatives like flexible working hours, wellness programs and professional development. These measures show employees how they are contributing, and therefore increase their job satisfaction. This has not only made people happy at Google but has made it successful as one of the most innovative and successful global organization. Like Zappos, other companies have also embraced workplace happiness as a core value, leading to highly engaged teams with lower turnover rates. Finally, we can say that communication campaigns that aim to create happiness in the workplace are an effective strategy to increase employee morale, resulting in enhanced productivity, teamwork and job satisfaction.

Body Paragraph 2: Strengthening Organizational Reputation

A workplace happiness campaign will bring a positive image to the organization both as an employer and a business. Critics claim that sheer happiness initiatives don’t have measurable ROI (Spicer & Cederström, 2015), but backers point to the recruitment and PR angle of it all. First, Achor (2011) brings focus to organizations that pay more attention to employee well-being and that are more desirable for sectors such as top talent and have lower turnovers. Yet creating a happy worker is good for business and can give them a competitive advantage over potential employee rivals. Therefore, happy employees are more likely to function as a mouthpiece for their organization, to share the positive experience that contributes to their employer brand. Having the reputation of being a supportive workplace is especially helpful in recruiting highly skill professionals, who value working in places that prioritize well-being, and as a result a stronger workforce with lower recruitment costs. Second, Spicer and Cederström (2015) explore how an organization’s dedication to workplace happiness may positively shape up its public image. They argue in the research that companies that are perceived as an ethical and employee friendly one will be able to attract positive media coverage and establish goodwill in their stakeholders. For example, happy employees are often touted on “best places to work” lists that tend to boost morale within the company and further brand externally. The accolades are free marketing devices which make the organization visible and attract potential employees and customers or clients. For instance, Salesforce used its reputation as a happy employee company to sign up partners and customers that fit its values of inclusivity and innovation just the same. Finally, a workplace happiness campaign can indirectly generate financial benefits through better customer relationship and loyalty. Happy employees translate to happy customers, and the happier (better) customers, the more likely they are to remain clients. For instance, the research proved that employees who are supported and valued are more inclined to perform above and beyond to help customers and penetrate the chain of trust to ensure that employees and managers feel respected and acknowledge the value they contribute in making a difference to customers. In addition, companies with a strong reputation for employee well-being often appeal to ethical investors who invest in socially responsible companies. As Spicer and Cederström (2015) observe, the long-term reputational benefits that accompanying the happiness initiatives can sometimes outweigh the upfront costs. Workplace happiness campaigns not only demonstrate an employer’s reputation as an employer as well as create a marketplace competitive advantage through building trust, loyalty and a positive public perception.

Conclusion

In conclusion, workplace happiness campaigns are a strategic investment and have far reaching benefits for organizations. These campaigns motivate, engage and enable a workforce empowered to solve organizational problems. Also, endorsements of companies that prioritize employee well-being reinforce their appeals as ideal employers and socially responsible enterprises, driving them to the top of talent pools, customer rosters and ethical investor lists. While there are some who warn against the risks or costs of superficial happiness campaign, a proper distributed happiness campaign for employee safety can eliminate the risks or costs. Consequently, workplace happiness campaigns are a good cornerstone of an organization’s success strategy, hence both internal and external benefits that help the company grow in the long term.

References

Achor, S. (2011, May). The happy secret to better work [Video]. TED Conferences. https://www.ted.com/talks/shawn_achor_the_happy_secret_to_better_work

Gruber, J., Kogan, A., Quoidbach, J., & Mauss, I. B. (2012). Happiness is best kept stable: Positive emotion variability is associated with poorer psychological health. Emotion, 13(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0030262

Mauss, I. B., Tamir, M., Anderson, C. L., & Savino, N. S. (2011). Can seeking happiness make people happy? Paradoxical effects of valuing happiness. Emotion, 11(4), 807-815. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3160511/

Spicer, A., & Cederström, C. (2015, July 10). The research we’ve ignored about happiness at work. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2015/07/the-research-weve-ignored-about-happiness-at-work

Review the Assignment Instructions Carefully

Before you begin, make sure you have read and understand the assignment requirements.

Read the scenario carefully. I have copied it here for your convenience:

You have been asked by an organization to produce a research paper about the ways in which a workplace “Happiness” campaign may or may not help their organization. Some of the management believe that a happiness campaign is crucial to improving the organization’s reputation as a preferred employer and increasing productivity within the organization. Others argue that happiness campaigns do not provide a good return on investment (ROI).

In this paper, argue your view on what a happiness campaign may or may not accomplish for the organization.

Your essay should contain an argumentative thesis supported by well structured body paragraphs that back up your position with material from the three required articles that we have read in this course and one or more of the optional articles in Weeks 6 & 7.
Do not conduct any additional research outside of the course materials for this assignment.

You might speak to the definition of happiness, the role that happiness plays in workplace productivity, and the relationship between happiness and success. You may also consider other important factors discussed in the forums throughout the course.

YOU MUST ARGUE FOR or AGAINST a workplace happiness campaign. No “hybrid” positions (e.g., good for some things but not others) positions for this assignment.

You can give this organization a name and orientation if that helps you write your paper but that is not necessary.

The assignment does not specify the nature of your relationship with the organization; I leave that up to you. For example, you may want to write as an employee or outside consultant. Either works.

First person statements using “I” or “we” should be kept to a minimum (you will use “I” in the thesis statement). Second person statements (e.g., “you” should also be kept to a minimum). Remember this is a formal writing style.

Steps for Writing Your Draft

For this course, you must write a FIVE PARAGRAPH essay following the assigned format outlined here. This helps ensure the best result.

1. Write the INTRODUCTION as follows:

HOOK/ OPENING STATEMENT (one sentence)
1. Write an opening hook to capture reader attention without being superficial or overly general: Try any one of the following:
  1. a general statement
  1. a provocative question
  1. a quotation
  1. a strong claim

“ALTHOUGH” MOVE and PIVOT (one sentence)
- Indicate that researchers do not agree on the issue (this sets you up for your “On the one hand,”” On the other hand,” move). This type of phrasing can be helpful.
  - “Although some researchers believe X, others disagree.”
  - “Although some researchers think Y, the matter is contested.”
    - The undelined statements are the “springboard” for your OTOH move, which will now describe the two sides of the matter.

“ON THE ONE HAND/Other Hand” MOVE (abbreviation: OTOH Move) (4 sentences)

The transitional pair “On the one hand/other hand” is used to contrast the two opposite positions that inform this topic. This is where you show your reader you are familiar with the broad lines of the debate.

Develop the first position in at least TWO sentences.
1. On the one hand, author(s) X argued __________________.
1. Add a second sentence to explain this side of the matter more fully.
  1. Start this sentence with a transition of addition, clarification etc. depeding on what you are writing. If you are giving an example, you would use “For instance, …”. You get the idea.
1. Develop the opposing position in at least TWO sentencse.
  1. On the other hand, author(s) Y claimed _________________.
  1. Add a second sentence as described above.
  1. Do you need a because clause? Perhaps. Use your judgement.
1. See sample essay to understand how this looks in practice.
1. Define key terms: it makes sense to define key terms in your introduction, but some can be defined in the body of the paper). Em dashes can be helpful here.

THESIS STATEMENT (one sentence)
- Now that you have outlined both sides of the debate, tell your reader your position on this issue. For this course, you MUST use the assigned language for your thesis statement as follows:
- In this paper, I intend to argue that ______________ because A, B, and C .

In this paper, I intend to argue that _____________ by (doing) A B, and C where
- the point in blue is the topic of your first body paragraph
- the point in pink is the topic of your second body paragraph
- the point in yellow is the topic of your third body paragraph
- Use good parallel structure in your thesis statement!
- See sample essay below to understand how this looks in practice.
FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT YOU ARE ASKED TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR THESIS STATEMEMENT IN THE COLOURS SHOWN AND CONNECT THOSE TO THE CORRESPONDING TOPIC SENTENCES. See sample paper.

2. Write three BODY PARAGRAPHS with the following elements. YOU MUST USE THIS FORMAT for this course. (9 -12 sentences each)

Topic sentence (one short sentence that repeats the content in the thesis statement).
Although move: “Although critics claimed that _____(e.g., name of some scholars who say that), other scholars have challenged this contention.”
Supporing Point 1:
1. To begin with (or First) + authors claim (ideally explained with a because clause).
1. Transition, + another sentence to develop the same author’s point. You can use a quote or example for the second sentence. Both sentences need a signal phrase (voice marker) or parenthetical citation, so that it is clear you are reporting the claims of others and not offering your opinion.
1. NOTE: The second sentence does not necessarily need a BC. Use your judgement.
Supporting Point 2
1. Next (or Second), + supporting point 2 developed in two-three sentences.
Supporting Point 3
1. Finally, (or Third) + supporting point 3 developed in two-three sentences.
Summary statement
1. To sum up (or other transition of summary) + repeat topic sentence in a slightly different way. Summary is ONE sentence only. No quotes.

At least one subsequent paragraph must use “First, “Second, “Third as transitions of sequence. This will give your writing a little variety.

The noted transitions of sequence are the only ones you can use in this course. In your draft, please put all your transitions in pink font as shown. Remove all colour coding for the final paper!

3. Write the CONCLUSION.

This is a powerful part of the paper. It is a summary of what you presented above (no new info here so citations not needed).

Take this opportunity to restate your argument emphasizing your most powerful points. You can make “I” statements here if appropriate.

Close by making it clear what the organization should do (run or don’t run a workplace happiness campaign).

A Note on AWCT Study Groups

While working in study groups can be helpful, I have seen cases where well-meaning students have led others (disastrously!) off course. If you have questions, ask me so you are sure you are getting the right information.

See study aids below.

Avoid These Common Errors

DO NOT use the same source for more than one supporting point per paragraph. For example, if you use Achor for the first supporting point in body paragraph one (BP1), you cannot use Achor again in that paragraph. You can use different points from Achor again in BP2 or BP3, however.
Make sure your Although statements are complete sentences:
1. Incorrect: Although some researchers think happiness leads to success.
1. CORRECT: Although some researchers think happiness leads to success, others disagree.
Make sure all supporting points are developed in two sentences. So, if your first supporting point is Achor, I should see two sentences about that point.
1. NOTE: If you are using For one thing/For another, each supporting point should be developed in THREE sentences, so the paragraphs are roughly equal length.
Do not write in your own voice (give your opinion). Report the claims of your source material to make the argument.
1. If I see a paragraph with no citations, you will not do well. The goal of this course is to accurately report the claims of your sources using APA formats!

Supporting point 1 = source 1. Add a second sentence to develop that source’s position more fully.

Supporting point 2 = source 2. Add a second sentence. Try a quote or example.

Supporting point 3 = source 3. Add a second sentence.

Look at the sample paper if you want to see an example of how this pattern looks. It is also shown in the table below.

Descriptive title for cover page	Whatever goes on the cover page repeats at the top of the second page. Use a descriptive title that indicates your position NOT Assignment 6a
INTRODUCTION	Hook	Although move: Although positive psychology is an important emerging fied, researchers disagree on its application in the workplace. You do not need a citation here because point explained next.	One the one hand, Author X (year) stated that_____ because___. Furthermore, Author Y (year) indicated____	On the other hand, Write at least TWO sentences.	In this paper I intend to argue that your companay should (not) run a happiness campaign because (add your three points)
Body Paragraph 1 (BP1)	Topic sentence	Although move	First Write TWO sentences for your first source.	Second Write TWO sentences for your second source.	Third Write TWO sentences for your third souce.	To sum up, Write one sentence like the topic sentence.
Body Pargraph 2	Topic sentence	Although move	To begin with, Two sentences source 1	Next, Two sentences source 2	Finally, Two sentences source 3	Overall, One sentence
Body Paragraph 3	Topic senence	Although move	First,	Second,	Third,	To sum up,
OR
Note: your third BP can have two or three supporting points (SPs). If only two, use For one thing, For another,	Topic senence	Although move	For one thing, Write THREE sentences for source 1	For another, Write THREE Sentence for source 2		To sum up, One sentence
Conclusion	To conlude	Review key points

OPTIONAL STUDY AID: Matrix Tool

Use this to help you organize your final paper. Do not submit this. It is for practice only.

	Body paragraph 1	Body paragraph 2	Body paragraph 3
Sample topic sentences. Suggestions only. à	The relationship between happiness and performance	Add your own	Add your own
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3