How to Truly Satisfy Your Employee, According to Harvard Research

^In the corporate maze, there's always a buzz about what truly keeps employees ticking. Is it the hefty paycheck at the end of the month? The fancy job title? Or perhaps the alluring office perks like free lunches and game rooms? But what if the real secret to employee happiness isn't found in any of these?

What if it's something more fundamental, more intrinsic? According to a Harvard Business School professor, there's one standout factor that holds the key to employee contentment. And no, it's not about the size of their wallet or the view from their office window. It's about being recognized for their accomplishments, about knowing that their work truly matters.

The True Value of Employee Happiness

When you picture a thriving workplace, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's state-of-the-art facilities, innovative projects, or impressive revenue charts. But beneath these tangible indicators, there lies a more profound metric, often overlooked: employee happiness.

It's not just a feel-good factor. Employee happiness is a potent business catalyst. Study after study highlights a simple truth: happy employees work harder. It's not about clocking extra hours but about the quality, creativity, and dedication they bring to each task. Their enthusiasm becomes infectious, elevating team morale and driving projects forward with a zest that's hard to replicate.

Moreover, happiness isn't just about boosting performance in the present. It has long-term implications. A content employee is more likely to stay, reducing turnover rates and the associated costs of hiring and training new personnel. They become brand ambassadors, their satisfaction radiating beyond office walls to potential clients and recruits. And here's a kicker: happiness makes people functionally smarter. It's as if joy fine-tunes the brain, enhancing decision-making, problem-solving, and innovative thinking.

Decoding Happiness: Myths vs. Reality

The quest for the secret sauce of employee happiness often takes us down some well-trodden paths. We think, surely, a fatter paycheck will spark joy. After all, doesn't everyone want to earn more? Or perhaps it's about status, with high-flying job titles and corner offices being the coveted trophies. Maybe it's the culture – those hip workplaces with bean bags, team outings, and no-jerks-allowed policies.

But here's the twist. Dive into the data and these commonly held beliefs start to crumble. Higher pay and elevated job titles, while appealing on the surface, don't correlate directly with increased happiness. Whether you're in a blue-collar role or a white-collar one, the happiness meter tends to hover around the same mark. Similarly, the nonprofit versus for-profit debate? It's a draw when it comes to job satisfaction.

Harvard's Golden Nugget

When it comes to unlocking the mystery of employee contentment, Arthur Brooks, a renowned professor from Harvard Business School, offers a refreshing take. It's not about the paychecks with many zeros or a corner office view; it's about something profoundly human. Brooks insists that the cornerstone of happiness in the workplace lies in a "sense of recognized accomplishment." It's about feeling that your contributions at work don't just vanish into the ether but are noticed, valued, and celebrated.

In a candid conversation with HBR, Brooks delves deeper, answering the pivotal question: What kind of jobs truly make employees happy? The surprising revelation? Neither higher pay nor a grandiose title guarantees happiness. Blue-collar or white-collar, for-profit or nonprofit - employees across the spectrum report similar levels of job satisfaction.

So, if money and status aren’t the magic potions, what is? It boils down to a sense of achievement and the recognition that comes with it. When employees feel that they're genuinely making a difference and that their achievements are acknowledged, that's when they truly shine.

This insight reframes our understanding of job satisfaction. It’s not about external accolades but an internal recognition of value. Employees crave the validation that their work has meaning, that they're driving change, and that this change doesn't go unnoticed. As Brooks succinctly puts it, happiness stems from "earning success" and feeling that you're "creating value" both in your life and in your professional journey.

The Universal Craving

Employees, regardless of their role or rank, have an innate desire to be seen, acknowledged, and validated. This isn't just about vanity or seeking praise. It's a deep-rooted psychological need that ties back to our very essence as humans. When our efforts are recognized fairly, it sends a signal that we're valuable and that our contributions matter.

Arthur Brooks' insights shed light on this very sentiment. He suggests that beyond the trappings of high pay or lofty job titles, what employees truly crave is a transparent and genuine acknowledgment of their contributions. It's about feeling that their efforts are moving the needle, making a difference, and being noticed for it. When there's a clear and direct link between what an employee does and the recognition they receive, it fosters a sense of purpose and belonging.

Yet, many organizations miss the mark here. They pour resources into bonuses, perks, and other tangible rewards, overlooking the simple act of genuine acknowledgment. But the truth is, when employees see their hard work reflected in the company's success and feel a personal connection to that achievement, it creates a powerful motivation loop.

It's a reminder that their role, no matter how big or small, has a meaningful impact. Happiness, in this context, springs from the simple joy of knowing one's work resonates and leaves a mark.

When Purpose Outshines Pay

When it comes to rewarding employees, many companies instinctively reach for the financial lever, thinking bonuses or raises are the ultimate tokens of appreciation. While fair compensation is undeniably important, it's not the sole ingredient in the recipe for genuine job satisfaction.

Adam Grant's research at Wharton drives this point home. In a compelling study, call center workers who heard firsthand how their efforts changed someone's life saw a whopping 20% jump in revenue. It wasn't a bigger paycheck that fueled this surge, but the profound realization of the impact of their work.

So, before you consider adding another zero to a bonus or installing the latest office gadgetry, take a moment to reflect on the essentials. Do your employees genuinely see the value of their contributions? Do they feel acknowledged and appreciated for the difference they make? In the quest for a happier workplace, it's clear: a sense of purpose and genuine recognition far outweigh the allure of monetary rewards. Meaning, it seems, truly does trump money.

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Desk Duty: Why Sitting Can be as Deadly as Smoking

^Motion is lotion, isn’t it? Sitting isn't part of our design. You may not think of your office chair or the couch you enjoy binge-watching on when you think of something that might pose a health risk. When you sit for long periods of time, the body deteriorates, according to Dr Joan Vernikos, author of Sitting Kills, Moving Heals.

How Sedentary Are We?

Around three million avoidable deaths are caused by physical inactivity each year (6% of all fatalities). Among noncommunicable illnesses, it is the fourth leading cause of death.

The following studies demonstrate how sedentary we are:

According to PubMed Central, 52.1% of participants in the study were not physically active. Studies conducted in India and abroad have reported similar findings.
It was reported that 56.8% of participants in a study conducted in Punjab, India, were not sufficiently active as recommended by the WHO.
According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research study, Chandigarh has a 66.8% prevalence of physical inactivity.
According to a study, 49.7% of adults in southern India were physically inactive.

Sitting and Exercising

Sitting Is the New Smoking — Photo by Gabin Vallet on Unsplash

Marathon sitting sessions cannot be negated by exercise. Lifestyle fitness, whether it is exercise in the gym, running, yoga, pilates, or another form of exercise, will not make you healthier if you sit for long periods of time. Instead, you are more likely to live a happy healthy life if you sit less during the day.

Sitting for Long Periods of Time.

Sitting for long periods of time can actually alter your metabolism. Sitting for just 30 minutes slows down metabolism by 90%. The large leg and gluteal muscles can weaken and waste when sat for long periods of time.

With weak glutes, the legs are less stable and have less power. If you sit consistently with poor posture, it can also result in back problems. Even your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your toes, may be irritated by the back, hip, and buttock muscles together.

When you spend a lot of time hunched over a keyboard, your neck and shoulders can become stiff and painful. As you do this for hours and hours, you reduce your flexibility and movement, straining your neck and upper back muscles.

While scrolling through social media on their phones, people sit in compromised postures that can be detrimental to their rotator cuffs, wrists, and forearms.

Heart Health and Sitting

Heart disease is more likely to develop if you sit for a long time each day. Diabetes type 2 and obesity, two major risk factors for heart disease, can be caused by sitting, which can lead to insulin resistance. In addition, during a heart attack, the blood flow slows down, which causes the blood vessels to accumulate fatty acids.

Heart disease results from disruption of vascular function. According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, there is an independent relationship between prolonged sitting time and deleterious health outcomes, regardless of physical activity.

You still have a risk of heart disease and death even if you clock in an hour of intense physical activity a day. This is especially true for those who work continuously without taking a break; therefore, companies are focusing more on employee wellness programs to assist them to build healthy working habits.

"Sitting is the thief of health." - Steve Jobs

Depression and Anxiety

We don't understand the relationships between sitting and mental health as well as we do the ties between sitting and physical health, but we do know that those who sit more are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

This might be due to the fact that those who spend a lot of time sitting lose out on the benefits of workout and fitness. If this is the case, getting up and moving may be beneficial.

Living a Movement-Based Lifestyle

Here are a few ways you can incorporate physical activity into your daily routine:

Make sure you take frequent breaks. After 30 minutes of continuous sitting, get up and move around

When possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator
Stop texting your colleagues and walk over to them instead
If you can, enjoy a short walk during your lunch break
Consider switching to standing and sitting-friendly height-adjustable desks.

You will have increased energy levels and endurance once you become physically active, and your muscles and bones will remain strong when you are physically active.

Final Words

It appears that stretching your muscles breaks up long periods of sitting, so strive to incorporate more exercise into your day. Every once in a while set a timer to remind yourself to get up and walk. Stand up while you're taking a call. You may want to consider an adjustable standing desk if you have a PC. Sit on a stability ball rather than an armchair while watching TV to keep yourself upright. Exercises to relieve joint pain are also recommended.

Budgeting and managing ZNMD Lifestyle and Lagaan Taxes

^Striking a balance between lifestyle expenses and taxes can be difficult, but it is essential. On the one hand, you want to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and have the financial resources to pay for the things you need and want. But, on the other hand, you also want to minimise your tax burden and keep as much of your hard-earned money as possible.

This often requires spending money on things like travel, hobbies, and other leisure activities. However, paying our fair share of taxes is also important, as they help fund essential services and infrastructure that benefit society. So is there a way to achieve a perfect balance between these two? Let's explore how you can strike this perfect balance in this article.

‍Stick To Your Budget

One way to strike a balance between these two competing priorities is to create a budget and stick to it. This can help us to keep track of our spending and ensure that we are not overspending on lifestyle expenses at the expense of our tax obligations. It can also help us prioritise our spending and make sure we spend money on the things most important to us.

By setting priorities and being mindful of your spending, you can simultaneously avoid overspending on unnecessary expenses and reduce your tax burden.

For example, consider contributing to a retirement account if you are trying to save money on your taxes. These contributions can be deducted from your taxable income, which can help reduce your tax bill. Additionally, you can take advantage of other tax breaks and deductions, such as the earned income tax credit or the child tax credit, to further reduce your tax burden.

‍Be Mindful of the Tax Implications

Another way to strike a balance is to be mindful of the tax implications of our spending decisions. For example, certain types of expenses, such as charitable donations or education expenses, may be tax deductible, which can offset some of the tax burdens. As a further benefit, tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts can help you save for the future and reduce your tax liability at the same time.

‍Cut Back Where You Can

Another way to balance lifestyle expenses and taxes is to carefully review your spending and identify areas where you can cut back. For example, evaluate your monthly payments and look for ways to reduce your spending on things like groceries, entertainment, and transportation. By cutting back on these expenses, you can free up more money to put towards your savings or investments, which can help reduce your tax burden.

"Financial well-being is not just about having a lot of money; it's about having a healthy relationship with money and feeling financially secure." - The Financial Diet.

‍Identify Ways to Increase Income

You may also want to consider ways to increase your income. For example, you could take on a part-time job or start a side hustle to earn extra money. This additional income can be used to pay off debt, build up your savings, or make investments that can help reduce your tax burden.

This can be challenging if you have multiple sources of income and a complex financial situation. However, by using tools like budgeting software or apps, you can track your spending and income and see where your money is going. This can help you identify areas where you can cut back on your expenses.

You can learn all these things in a financial wellbeing program if you struggle to keep track of your expenses.

‍Closing Thoughts

Overall, striking a balance between lifestyle expenses and taxes requires careful planning and a willingness to make trade-offs. Our WellnessTribe Expert, Usha Mallya, a financial planner and advisor with KPMG, gives us some helpful tips above to start our new year.

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This month we are focusing on food and how it affects your mental health. Join us as we bring in the most relevant interesting content from across the wellness segment.

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