Creating More Joy at Work

The connective, collective power of joy is visible in sports. When a team performs at its best, overcoming competitors and its own internal challenges, every player — and every fan — is close to ecstatic. The “rush” sparks even greater joy, which can fuel further success. But when was the last time you felt such a swell of positive emotion at work?

A survey conducted by global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney points to a pronounced “joy gap” at work. Nearly 90 percent of respondents said that they had expected to experience a substantial degree of joy at work, yet only 37 percent report that such is their actual experience.

Writing in the Harvard Business Review, Alex Liu, A.T. Kearney’s managing partner and chairman, says, “Crafting [joyful] business cultures that more consistently engender such experiences can create a much stronger sense of personal interconnection, shared purpose, and heartfelt pride across the organization.” Kearney recommends specific steps leaders can take to increase joy at work:

• Set the agenda: Make meaningful efforts toward ensuring all employees feel heard, recognized, and acknowledged.
• Set the stage: Staff your new programs with true cross-unit, cross-silo teams, where joint teamwork delivers maximum impact, shared success, and fun.
• Set the tone: Encourage and celebrate individual and corporate social impact efforts. Authentically express more of the joy you personally experience in your role.

“Joy begets joy,” notes Kearney. “In my firm, I have emphasized the need to joyfully ‘dial
up’ the culture with a sustained emphasis on diversity, inclusion, apprenticeship, and
personal day-to-day leadership.”

When was the last time you experienced joy at work, and what led to it? Is this the sort
of experience you can help re-create?  To join the conversation, click on "Comments" above. 

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