The responsibility for employees' happiness in the workplace is a topic that has been gaining increasing attention, especially given the concerning current reality. According to data from Infojobs, 61% of professionals do not feel satisfied or happy in their jobs, and 76% say they know someone who had to take a break from activities 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 atReconnect Happiness at Work, during his participation in theSpeak HRPandapé podcast, HR software from Infojobs. For the specialist, the sector indeed has a crucial role in monitoring and creating strategies to ensure employees are happy in the company. However, the work cannot be done alone. "HR will develop the strategy and promote action, but if there is no engagement from the leaders in this process and if the people themselves do not change their daily routines and seek these changes, we will not be happy at work."
Rivetti emphasizes that, above all, it is necessary to demystify what corporate happiness is: "For a long time, HR thought it was a topic of strategies such as benefits, nice 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 related to three main aspects: quality of life, where we seek a balance between personal and professional; finding challenges in the work itself, using our gifts, talents, and passions to feel fulfilled; and relationships, building an environment of empathetic listening, recognition, and psychological safety. When we focus on these aspects, it is possible to be happy at work, enjoy what we do, and have good relationships, although it is an ongoing process."
This constant exchange of information and insights not only strengthens the bond between employees but also contributes to the creation of a healthy and productive environment. A study ofSaid Business SchoolIt was pointed out that happier workers are 12% more productive than those who are in a state of dissatisfaction.
For this to happen, Hosana Azevedo, Head of HR at Infojobs and spokesperson forPandape, highlights the importance of effective communication between 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 just from HR, but also from leadership and among colleagues themselves, a culture of trust and mutual respect is created. This allows us to quickly identify issues that may affect employee well-being and act proactively to resolve them.”
The expert highlights that, to assess the effectiveness of these strategies in the team, digital solutions are vital: “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 that adapt 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 essential to recognize that happiness at work is a shared responsibility across all levels of the organization, the HR role remains crucial. "The sector 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.
