Today's world presents significant challenges: inflation, pandemics, conflicts, and work trends such as the Great Resignation. Positive psychology in the workplace enables individuals, groups, and organizations to thrive. This is particularly crucial in today's climate, as retaining top talent has become increasingly important.

A recent article on positivepsychology.com reports that more and more employees are willing to sacrifice job security to find something more aligned with their values due to the paradox of influence, which is the concept that even as developed nations become wealthier, overall life satisfaction and mental wellbeing are not seeing corresponding improvements. This holds true in the workplace too. Once an employee’s basic needs are met, additional compensation and benefits will not typically lead to greater happiness and fulfillment at work. This is where positive psychology can make all the difference.

Employee priorities are changing, and employers need to react by providing a positive workplace that bolsters an engaging experience for its employees.

How to Implement Positive Psychology in the Workplace

Below are five practical tips for applying positive psychology in the workplace:

1. Positive Emotions

• Foster feelings such as hope, joy, and gratitude.
• Set clear expectations and provide employees with a voice in meetings.
• Support work-life balance and promote positive coping strategies and resilience.
• Reduce workplace stressors to enhance overall wellbeing.

2. Engagement

• Encourage deep involvement and immersion in tasks.
• Align goals with employees' values and interests to boost motivation.
• Create opportunities for engaging in tasks that lead to a state of flow – a psychological term describing a state of deep focus and immersion in an activity, where time seems to pass quickly, and the person is fully engaged and enjoying the process.

3. Positive Relationships

• Promote strong connections with peers, managers, and leaders.
• Ensure open communication and active participation in meetings.
• Encourage and reward collaboration and partnership.
• Provide ample support to facilitate interaction and cooperation.

4. Meaning

• Help employees connect with a sense of purpose and values.
• Encourage regular reflection on the impact employees have within the organization, on customers, and on the community.
• Move beyond superficial recognition programs by actively sharing positive customer feedback and appreciating employees' efforts.

5. Achievements and Accomplishments

• Set and pursue goals that foster a sense of achievement and competence.
• Recognize and reward hard work and success.
• Support employees in developing solutions and overcoming challenges.
• Celebrate company milestones and collective achievements.

Applying the principles of positive psychology in the workplace can enhance employee wellbeing, resilience, and work-life balance. This approach can result in higher employee engagement and satisfaction, foster a positive culture, and improve communication and collaboration. Not only will this benefit your employees, but it will also boost productivity and profitability for the organization.

How do you promote positive psychology in your organization? Email me at mcorrado@aseonline.org.