In a time when many sectors are facing significant labor shortages, it is important to pay attention to the well-being of people in the workplace. "It’s time for positive organizations that prioritize the well-being of their employees," states Professor Marianne van Woerkom in her inaugural lecture, which she will give on October 18 at Tilburg University.
An increasing portion of the workforce experiences work-related stress and struggles with burnout-related issues. To address these problems, it is essential to understand what enables people to function optimally, according to van Woerkom. "We think the greatest gains lie in eliminating our shortcomings, but research shows that activating positive character traits leads to better performance, which also has a positive effect on the organization as a whole."
A good example tends to be followed
Positive behavior evokes positive emotions in others and can inspire colleagues to do the same. Ultimately, this also has a positive effect on the people they serve, such as customers, students, patients, or society at large. "People tend to mimic each other’s behavior. This applies to negative behavior as well as positive actions. Good examples inspire good follow-up and can lead to positive change throughout the organization," van Woerkom says. "But positive behavior needs to be encouraged, and that’s where the challenge lies."
Organizations insufficiently focus on employee well-being
Research shows that leaders play a crucial role in stimulating employee engagement, motivation, and performance, and they serve as important role models. Unfortunately, most leaders are inadequately trained for this role. They often lack the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to help employees identify, develop, and activate their strengths. Organizations also tend to focus on one-off training sessions to address employee well-being.
"But to promote the well-being of all’employees in the long term, more knowledge and a structural approach based on positive psychology are needed. Consider training for managers to recognize positive character traits in employees, performance reviews focusing on strengths and positive experiences, and regular team attention to distributing work based on the unique qualities of team members. Only then can we ensure that positive experiences in organizations outweigh negative ones."
