The responsibility for the happiness of employees in the workplace is a topic that is gaining more and more prominence, especially in view of the worrying current reality. According to data from Infojobs, 61% of professionals do not feel satisfied or happy in their jobs, and 76% claim to know someone who had to take time off from work for psychological reasons. Traditionally, the Human Resources sector is seen as the main responsible for promoting employee satisfaction and well-being. However, this may be a limited view.
This is what Renata Rivetti, Director and Consultant of Reconnect Happiness at Work, explains during her participation in Fala RH, Pandapé’s HR software podcast from Infojobs. According to the specialist, the sector does have a crucial role in monitoring and creating strategies for employees to be happy in the company. However, the work cannot be done alone. ‘HR will create the strategy, promote the action, but if there is no engagement from leaders in this construction and if the individuals themselves do not change their daily routine and do not seek these changes, we will not be happy at work’.
Rivetti emphasizes that, first of all, it is necessary to demystify what corporate happiness is: “For a long time, HR thought it was a matter of strategies like benefits, beautiful environments, and relaxation rooms, and although all of this is important, no one wakes up motivated and happy just because they received a company mug. Happiness at work is about three main aspects: quality of life, where we seek a balance between personal and professional life; finding challenges in our own work, using our gifts, talents, and passions to feel fulfilled; and relationships, building an environment of empathetic listening, recognition, and psychological safety. By focusing on these aspects, it is possible to be happy at work, enjoy what we do, and have good relationships, even though it is a continuous construction.”
This constant exchange of information and insights not only strengthens the bond among employees but also contributes to the creation of a healthy and productive environment. A study by the Saïd Business School pointed out that happier workers are 12% more productive than those in a state of dissatisfaction.
In order for this to happen, Hosana Azevedo, HR Head of Infojobs and spokesperson for Pandapé, highlights the importance of effective communication across all levels of the organization: “Transparent and open communication is essential for employees to feel heard and valued. When there is a constant flow of feedback and suggestions, not only from HR, but also from leadership and among colleagues, a culture of trust and mutual respect is created. This allows for quickly identifying issues that may affect employees’ well-being and taking proactive action to resolve them”.
The specialist emphasizes that to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies within the team, digital solutions are crucial: “By using Human Capital Management (HCM) tools, HR departments can implement more precise and efficient strategies to promote happiness at work. Through these platforms, it is possible to identify specific areas that require improvement and develop professional development programs, training, or well-being initiatives tailored to the individual needs of employees. Additionally, the adoption of technology facilitates communication and continuous feedback between employees and leadership, establishing a more transparent and participatory environment”.
Although it is crucial to recognize that happiness at work is a shared responsibility across all levels of the organization, the role of HR remains crucial. “The department creates strategies, promotes actions, and provides support for the development of an environment where employees can thrive. However, it is only through the collaboration of all involved, including leadership and individual employees, that we can build a truly happy, productive, and rewarding workplace”, concludes Hosana Azevedo.
