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Unlocking workplace happiness with Vanessa King

Insights from the Lunch at Work podcast

At BM, we believe that a happy team is a productive team. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting Vanessa King, director of the Happiness at Work Foundation, on our ‘Lunch at Work’ podcast. Vanessa shared her expertise on positive psychology and its practical applications in the workplace.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation that every facilities manager and workplace experience manager should know.

The science of happiness

Vanessa emphasised the importance of understanding the science behind happiness. It’s not just about feeling good in the moment but also about long-term fulfilment and contribution. She highlighted that happiness is a blend of short-term pleasures and long-term goals. This combination not only boosts team member’s well-being but also enhances team performance and consequently overall business success.

Why happiness matters in business?

Happiness isn’t just a feel-good factor; it makes good business sense. Studies have shown that companies with higher levels of employee happiness outperform their peers in the stock market. Happy employees are more productive, healthier, and more engaged, leading to better client satisfaction and profitability. Vanessa shared compelling research demonstrating that happier employees can significantly impact sales, productivity, and overall company performance. BM is living proof of this. We have low team turnover, and we have appeared on the ‘Best Companies to work’ list since 2011. This year we achieved 2-star status- which puts us just outside the top 100 companies in the whole of the UK.

Practical tips for leaders

Vanessa shared three core psychological needs essential for a happy workplace:

Connection: Create a sense of belonging and ensure team members feel seen and valued. Simple acts like actively listening and showing genuine interest can make a big difference.
Control: Provide team members with a sense of agency and control over their work. Avoid micro-managing and allow for some level of discretion and autonomy.
Competence: Help team members feel a sense of progress and mastery in their roles. Regularly acknowledge their efforts and achievements, no matter how small. We use an internal tool called Yapster to acknowledge our team members’ efforts.

Enhancing workplace culture

At BM, we prioritise happiness in our culture, our strapline is ‘FUNdamentally food,’ with emphasis on the FUN. Vanessa’s insights reinforce our belief that a positive work environment leads to better business outcomes. By focusing on connection, control, and competence, we can create a workplace where everyone thrives.

Communal dining and its impact

One of the unique aspects of BM is our focus on communal dining experiences. Vanessa explained how eating together can enhance a sense of belonging and well-being among team members. Sharing meals encourages connection, networking, and can even spark creativity and innovation. There are plenty of studies and research that prove this

Small acts, big impact

Vanessa shared a powerful tip on amplifying the impact of gratitude. Instead of a simple thank you, adding the impact of the action and recognising the qualities it demonstrates can significantly boost morale and connection. At BM we provide public recognition for team members living our FOODIES values.

Overcoming the Monday blues

Vanessa offered practical advice for tackling the Monday blues. From setting positive intentions for the week to engaging in meaningful activities, there are various ways to start the week on a high note. In BM’s marketing team, we kick off our Mondays with team chats (covering everything from the virtues of a Rug Doctor to holidays and Olympics) and a fun bubble tea ritual to keep spirits high

Further resources

If you are interested in diving deeper into the science of happiness, Vanessa recommended several resources:

Books: “The Little Book of Happiness” by Vanessa King.
Websites: Action for Happiness. Great free resources like the 10 Days of Happiness program (highly recommended by our Marketing Director, Lin Dickens).
Podcasts: Follow Vanessa and Action for Happiness on social media for regular updates and tips.

Connect with Vanessa

Vanessa King is a wealth of knowledge on happiness and positive psychology. You can connect with her via email at [email protected] or through her personal business at [email protected].

Listen to the full podcast

Don’t miss out on the full conversation with Vanessa King. Listen to the Lunch at Work podcast for more insights and practical tips on fostering happiness in the workplace.

Promoting happiness at work isn’t just beneficial for team members; it’s a strategic advantage for businesses. Implement Vanessa’s ideas and watch your workplace transform into a hub of positivity and productivity. #WorkplaceHappiness #PositivePsychology #EmployeeWellbeing #BMfamily

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