By Anirban R. Banerjee
His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck of Bhutan introduced the concept of ‘gross national happiness’ in the late 1970s, highlighting the importance of sustainable development approach to economic growth. This approach underscores the value of a happy and healthy population, echoing the beliefs of great civilizations throughout history.
In The Republic, the renowned Greek philosopher Plato emphasized that a life dedicated to knowledge leads to happiness. This philosophy underscores the pivotal role of education in nation-building, emphasizing that material wealth alone does not define greatness.
The quality of Human Resource skills, state of mind, and health significantly impact cognitive ability, social quotient, and emotional intelligence. Key differentiators between a surviving and thriving economy lie in the ability to learn, problem-solve, collaborate, and adapt. Material Wellbeing is intricately linked to investments in Health, Education, and Security, shaping our standard of living. To thrive, a sustainable economy requires an educational model that fosters growth. The quality of enterprises, managers, researchers, teachers, and workers ultimately determines economic progress.
A recent survey by Valuvox uncovered some interesting insights on employee happiness in the workplace. According to the survey, 95% of employees believe that managers play a crucial role in ensuring their happiness, highlighting the importance of leadership in fostering a positive work environment. Additionally, 58% of employees feel that their work significantly impacts their overall happiness, emphasizing the correlation between job satisfaction and productivity.
The data also reveals that the Logistics Industry and automobile sector have room for improvement in employee engagement levels, standing at 58% and 59%, respectively. Enhancing employee engagement in these sectors can lead to increased productivity and customer satisfaction. Notably, employees with 0-2 years of experience reported higher levels of unhappiness and disengagement, underscoring the need for targeted strategies to support this demographic.
Furthermore, mid-size companies face challenges in maintaining employee happiness, with a reported struggle rate of 61%. In contrast, happiness levels are higher in small (73%) and large (79%) organizations, suggesting that company size may influence employee satisfaction levels. Addressing these insights and focusing on improving employee engagement can lead to a more positive and productive work environment across industries.
This survey highlights the significance of Behavioural Psychology and Organization Development in enhancing sustainable productivity modes for businesses, fostering global growth, and enabling managers to drive transformation worldwide. Research indicates that 88 percent of organizations that prioritize employee happiness experience heightened team satisfaction, ultimately boosting business performance. This presents a valuable opportunity for organizations to embark on a journey of growth, with the potential to positively impact productivity and transform the economy across various industries and company sizes.
Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore emphasized the importance of evolving cognitive abilities and nurturing imagination beyond traditional education focused on scoring and job security. Alongside Tagore, educationists like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and spiritual leaders Swami Vivekananda and Swami Paramananda highlighted the significance of building a mentally agile population for nation-building. India boasts numerous contemporary thinkers who have laid the groundwork for a strong Human Resource base essential for national growth. Let’s strive to actualize their vision and propel India towards greatness.
(The author is Vice President, Global Human Resources at Goodrich Maritime, and a speaker, author & columnist. Views expressed are the author’s own and not necessarily those of financialexpress.com.)