The late Dr. Wayne Dyer stated, “when faced with the choice to be right or to be kind, always choose to be kind.” While there are still companies that encourage a highly competitive and aggressive environment, studies indicate that a more positive and team-based approach can lead to enhanced results for employees, employers, and have positive financial implications (Seppala & Cameron, 2015). Moreover, the negative implications to organizations who foster a culture that supports and promotes highly competitive and stressful environment are immense.
The consequences of a highly competitive and stressful environment
While the exact cost of job-related stress to the US economy is not certain, some estimates go as high as $500 billion annually (Cook, 2017). Seppala & Cameron (2015) posit there are three major costs to organizations that have high stress and are highly competitive. Below is a recap of their findings on each major cost and subsequent implications.
1. Higher Healthcare Costs
a. 50% higher than low-stress work environments
b. 550 million workdays lost annually
c. 60%-80% of workplace accidents are stress related
d. Higher chance of disease such as cardiovascular & metabolic syndrome
e. Higher mortality rates
2. Disengagement – prolonged stress and competitiveness leads to employee disengagement. Disengaged employees result in the following.
a. 37% higher absenteeism
b. 49% more accidents
c. 60% more errors
d. 18% lower productivity
e. 16% lower profitability
f. 37% lower job growth
g. 65% lower share price over the long-haul
3. Lack of Loyalty
a. 50% increase in turnover
b. Significant increases in operational costs due to turnover
c. Loss of continuity.
The benefits of creating a happier culture and workplace environment
Let’s face it; work is not always easy. In fact, it can sometimes be very difficult and hard. Creating an environment that is happier and minimizes stress does not mean compromising work quality nor results. The key is to find balance and to create a culture that supports genuine kindness that is committed to delivering positive results that lead to profitability. When leaders are committed to operating from “a set of values based on interpersonal kindness, he or she sets the tone for the entire organization” (Seppala & Cameron, 2015).
Rhett Power (2016) contends that some of the reasons to create a “Happy Workplace” include the following.
1. Happy employees are loyal employees
2. Happiness is contagious – let it spread throughout the organization!
3. Higher levels of employee success
4. Happy employees have better attitudes
5. Reducing stress increases productivity
6. Positivism increases risk-taking and creativity
7. Happy employees support each other
8. Happy employees are not afraid to make mistakes
While highly competitive and stressful environments may yield short-term wins, research provides compelling evidence that long-term sustainable results are tied to more positive, and team focused cultures. Even more interesting is that cultures that focus on creating a positive environment act as a buffer to stress. In short, positive begets positive.
I will close with a quote…
"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can see." --Mark Twain
References:
Cook, D. (2017, October 20). Workplace stress costing employers $500 billion annually. Retrieved from https://www.benefitspro.com/2017/10/20/workplace-stress-costing-employers-500-billion-ann/?slreturn=20190016071012
Economy, P. (2015, August 13). 24 quotes about kindness that will inspire you to make a difference and be happy. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/25-quotes-about-kindness-that-will-inspire-you-to-make-a-difference-and-be-happy.html
Power, R. (2016, November 16). 10 reasons why it is important create a happy workplace. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/rhett-power/10-reasons-why-it-is-important-create-a-happy-workplace.html
Seppala & Cameron. (2015, December 15). Proof that positive work cultures are more productive. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2015/12/proof-that-positive-work-cultures-are-more-productive
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