Let There Be Joy

What does it mean to find your passion at work? A recent article by Tina Kiefer of the Warwick Business School (READ IT HERE) argues that finding your passion at work can actually improve performance, but there are downsides. Kiefer notes that “positive emotions, such as joy, happiness and pride, happen when we accomplish something that brings us closer to a goal.” She cites examples such as finishing a work project or a positive social experience with a colleague.

The positive outcomes of these include improved “employee wellbeing and job performance,” as well as better motivation and engagement. Workplaces and employees benefit through better work quality, enhanced teamwork, trust and a sense of belonging. In addition, the article notes how “fun and joy at work can broaden our horizons” which can lead to employees being more “willing to try new things and engage in different kinds of behaviour.” Interestingly it also notes that “people enjoy their work more when they are in a hybrid working environment, spending at least part of their week working from home.”

There are potential downsides to joy and positive emotions at work, at least as perceived by some. One such perception is that “joy and fun can be a health and safety risk or make it difficult to uphold professionalism.” Another is the potential that some may “feel excluded and alienated if they cannot or don’t wish to participate in social activities or camaraderie.” And a third is that people having fun at work may be viewed “as not taking the job seriously or not having to work hard.” Despite these, the potential benefits generally outweigh the negative, and are worth making a conscious effort for. However, it is also worth noting that “the magic doesn’t just happen by putting people in the same place.” But the effort is worthwhile to foster increased creativity and motivation in employees.