Author cites happiness as crucial to successful and profitable workplace
Says the practice has numerous benefits and essential during economic downturn
Thursday September 25, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
Alexander Kjerulf is making the argument that a happy work environment is no longer a luxury – but essential to creating a successful and profitable workplace.

The concept is simple but challenging for many workplaces, which still buy into a “protestant work ethic,” according to Kjerulf, who is an international speaker and business consultant on the subject.

“There is a pervasive sense that work is tough, hard and unpleasant - and that's why you get paid to work.”

Kjerulf begs to differ and his book, "Happy Hour is 9 to 5 —How to Love Your Job, Love Your Life and Kick Butt at Work," counters the notion that profitable organizations must be “joyless, stressful workplaces.”

In fact Kjerulf, who refers to himself as chief happiness officer, says studies confirm that happy workplaces yield more successful employees and make more money.

“Happy employees and managers are more productive, more creative, more motivated, more engaged, less sick, more focused on quality and perform better customer service,” says Kjerulf.

“Similarly, happy companies find they are more efficient, innovative and make more money than their unhappy competitors,” he states in his book.

To back up his statements, Kjerulf points to Southwest airlines, Google, Pixar and LEGO, who all offer great workplaces and give their employees large degrees of freedom.

While it is easy to produce a happy work environment when a company is profitable and can offer perks, bonuses and corporate events, Kjerulf says in times of economic challenge, the practice is even more important.

“When the company faces tough times and even potential layoffs, this becomes harder. But it can be done. In fact it must be done,” says Kjerulf. “Particularly in tough times, companies need employees to be at their best, most productive and most creative.”

Kjerulf, who has worked with companies like IBM, Lego, DaimlerChrysler, Pfizer and PricewaterhouseCoopers to teach them his methods, will be presenting his ideas and tools during the speakers series at WorldBlu Live 2008.

The event, which aims to inspire more democratic workplaces, is a favourite speaking engagement for Kjerulf who says democratic workplaces are naturally more productive and have a happier staff.

“The theme is vitally important and cutting-edge. Democratic organizations is where the future is at.”

To learn more about Kjerulf and happiness at work, visit his blog at www.positivesharing.com.

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