A recent study out of the University of Warwick concluded that people are more productive when they are happy. 12% more productive, to be precise. I would like to be 12% more productive, if only to rate 12% more sleep time. Is that wrong?
At Google, we know that health, family and wellbeing are an important aspect of Googlers’ lives. We have also noticed that employees who are happy … demonstrate increased motivation … [We] … work to ensure that Google is… an emotionally healthy place to work. Lara Harding, People Programs Manager, Google.
Supporting our people must begin at the most fundamental level – their physical and mental health and well- being. It is only from strong foundations that they can handle … complex issues.
Matthew Thomas, Manager – Employee Relations, Ernst and Young.
I want to be like the “Googlers” mentioned above.
I am on a mission to create a positive environment in my workspace to inspire a positive mind.
Happy = Productive. Right?
You know those times when you’re working and your mind wanders? And then your eyes wander? Next thing you know you’re staring off into space. You’ve broken your productivity and you need to re-focus.
The little voice in your head expresses frustration, “Come on! Get this done!” Thanks little voice! (sarcasm implied) Now I’m really NOT happy and my productivity has decreased.
If you’ve followed my positive workspace environment series, you know that I framed some printed quotations and I made a natural air freshener.
Surround Myself in Positivity
At work, the space above my desk was a blank wall. I decided to fill my line of vision with as much positivity as possible. I found my solution in Amy’s post on Strong Beginning which includes a free download of 36 Motivation Mini Cards.
Words to inspire a positive mind do not need to come in the form of a billboard or a neon sign. They can exist as a simple note in a lunch box encouraging someone to have a great day, a post-it on the mirror to remind someone that they are special, or a card in your wallet that displays your daily positive affirmation.
After reading Amy’s post, I immediately printed the Motivation Mini-Cards on cardstock and assembled a collection to catch my eyes when they lift from my work.
Now, when my mind wanders, my eyes land on one of the positive messages. My little voice says with a smile, “There, you’ve had a mental break. That’s OK. Now it’s time to get back to work.” (My little voice is pretty chatty.)
If I’m 12% more productive, have I earned a little nap?
I love my Motivation Mini-Card board. Thank you Amy for helping me to create a positive environment to inspire a positive mind! Amy’s site, Strong Beginning contains many free inspirational downloads. I’m thinking to make her site my home page. You should check it out!
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Lettering inspired by Shanty 2 Chic’s hand drawn industrial alphabet. Click here to download your set.
Denise,
Thank you for all the positive comments; I’m blushing. I’m glad your motivation mini-cards are helping you be more positive and productive, and I appreciate you spreading the joy to others. We could all use a 12% increase in productivity, not to mention the simple joy of just feeling good about ourselves. Your site is constantly reminding me to CHOOSE POSITIVITY & JOY; thank you so much!
I appreciate your kind words, Amy. I’m spreading so much joy that I have co-workers asking where they can get their own set of Motivation Mini-Cards. I continue to admire your creativity.