Measuring Happiness is What Employees Want.

The idea that employee engagement isn’t delivering the results we hoped for is a hot topic right now. Even with the billions spent on employee engagement, Gallup’s 2023 report shows that only 34% of workers in the U.S. actually feel engaged in their jobs. So many companies have focused on engagement surveys, reward programs, and recognition platforms, but these efforts often miss the mark when building truly motivated and loyal teams.

Traditional engagement programs just aren’t cutting it when it comes to tackling problems like high turnover, low morale, and disengagement. There’s a clear gap between what these programs aim to do and what employees actually feel. It’s time for a fresh approach that really addresses these issues.

In this blog, we’ll examine why focusing on employee engagement hasn’t been enough to achieve the results companies seek. We’ll also discuss how shifting our attention to happiness — especially with the help of tools like the Amazing Workplace® Platform — can lead to a more motivated, loyal, and productive workforce.

The Limitations of Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is about how emotionally invested employees are in their work. Companies often use surveys to measure commitment, passion, and productivity. While these insights can be helpful, traditional engagement metrics usually miss some critical aspects of the employee experience.

For example:

Narrow Focus of Traditional Engagement Surveys

These surveys usually zero in on things like job satisfaction, relationships with management, and company policies. Unfortunately, they often overlook broader issues like mental well-being, emotional health, and overall life satisfaction. A survey by Deloitte found that only 32% of employees felt their organization effectively supported their mental health needs. That’s a big gap in how we understand engagement.

Quick Fixes Over Sustainable Change

Many engagement programs rely on surface-level incentives, like reward systems or recognition events. While these can provide a short-term boost, they don’t address the root causes of dissatisfaction or burnout. Gallup discovered that 70% of employees feel disengaged at work, showing that these temporary tactics often fail to lead to long-term satisfaction and well-being.

The Risk of Burnout Despite Engagement Efforts

Even engaged employees can still feel overwhelmed or unsupported, which can lead to burnout. A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) reported that 79% of employees experienced work-related stress, with many pointing to a lack of support and resources as a major issue.

So, while engagement metrics might suggest that employees are “on board,” they often don’t reveal deeper struggles or risks to overall well-being. This means that focusing solely on engagement can leave significant gaps in understanding the true employee experience.

Why Measuring Employee Happiness® is What Employees Really Want

Unlike engagement, which focuses on how connected employees feel to their jobs, happiness takes a much broader view. It covers job satisfaction, well-being, work-life balance, and overall mental and emotional health. Considering all these important factors, the Amazing Workplace Platform helps companies measure happiness more holistically.

Here are three reasons why measuring Employee Happiness® is what employees want:

• Employee Expectations Are Changing: Today’s workforce, especially Millennials and Gen Z, is placing a greater emphasis on well-being and work-life balance. They want to feel supported not just in their careers but in their overall lives. The Amazing Workplace Platform is perfectly positioned to help organizations meet these evolving needs by providing insights that go beyond traditional engagement metrics.
• The Link to Motivation and Retention: Happy employees are more motivated and more likely to stick around for the long haul. Happiness fuels intrinsic motivation, which leads to genuine commitment and productivity. With the Amazing Workplace Platform, companies can assess and nurture happiness, resulting in a more satisfied and dedicated workforce.
• Happiness Fosters a Positive Culture: When organizations focus on happiness, they create a supportive and inclusive culture where employees can thrive. Happy employees tend to be more collaborative, creative, and proactive. The Amazing Workplace Platform helps companies build and track happiness-driven cultures, boosting team dynamics and overall performance.

How to Start Measuring Employee Happiness® with Amazing Workplace

• Survey for Happiness, Not Just Engagement: With Amazing Workplace’s happiness surveys and well-being check-ins, organizations can get a real sense of how satisfied employees are with their work environment, relationships, and overall well-being. These surveys dive into essential areas like work-life balance, sense of purpose, job satisfaction, and emotional health.
• Regular Pulse Checks: The Amazing Workplace Platform offers ongoing pulse surveys to keep tabs on employees’ happiness. This allows companies to spot potential issues early and make continuous improvements.
• Create a Culture of Open Communication: Amazing Workplace helps create an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable talking about their happiness, both at work and in their personal lives. The platform encourages feedback through anonymous surveys, focus groups, and direct conversations with managers, fostering a culture of trust and openness.
• Supportive Policies: Amazing Workplace provides insights that help companies develop and improve policies to boost happiness, like flexible work hours, mental health days, wellness programs, and opportunities for professional growth. This support goes beyond the workplace, promoting a sense of well-being in all areas of employees’ lives.

The Benefits of Prioritizing Employee Happiness® with Amazing Workplace

When happiness goes up, so does motivation and performance! Amazing Workplace offers the tools to measure and boost happiness, helping to create a stronger bond between employees and their work.

Here are three more benefits of focusing on happiness with us:

• Stronger Retention Rates: Happy employees are likelier to stay, which means lower turnover costs and a more stable team. Amazing Workplace helps companies build a culture that people don’t want to leave.
• A Healthier Workplace Culture: When happiness is a priority, you get a more positive and inclusive environment. Employees become more collaborative, creative, and proactive. Amazing Workplace plays a crucial role in fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, included, and inspired.
• Better Employer Brand: Companies that make happiness a priority, with the support of Amazing Workplace, attract top talent. Happy employees naturally become brand advocates, boosting the company’s reputation in competitive job markets.

It’s Time to Redefine Success. Prioritize Happiness Over Engagement.

If your company’s engagement strategy isn’t bringing the results you hoped for, it might be time to shift gears and start measuring happiness with Amazing Workplace. By prioritizing employee happiness, organizations can lay the groundwork for long-term success that benefits both the employees and the company as a whole.

With the Amazing Workplace Platform, you can tap into your workforce’s true potential by focusing on happiness instead of just engagement. This approach helps create a more fulfilling and productive work environment for everyone. Ready to see how it works? Book your demo today!