Whether it is in the workplace, at home, or on vacation, a positive attitude can make all the difference. Having one can actually boost one’s physical and mental health, provide more energy, and, believe it or not, increase productivity. Studies have shown a link in happiness with the release of chemicals in the brain. These chemicals can affect other parts of the brain that correlate with things like productivity and effort. I believe everyone should strive to be positive, as the subsequent effects are endless.
Productivity is one of the most valued traits, not only in the workplace
Many studies have been conducted to identify and target the advantages in the business world, and as expected, positivity played a huge part. Harvard Business Review states that a workplace with higher stress levels, and therefore lower positivity levels, measured 18% lower in productivity.
Other studies mention how happiness and positivity release endorphins in the brain. Having higher endorphins while at work or focusing on a task is proven to cause less distractions and increase the chances of succeeding. If you are in a work environment, working from home or your work is staying home caring for your children, the attitude you have towards any task will directly correlate with the end product.
When you enjoy what you are doing, or at least make yourself believe that you are enjoying it, then it will make you and everyone around you feel at ease. Have you ever tried to cook dinner right after fighting with your significant other? I am no great cook, but I can honestly say that some of the worst meals I have ever prepared have come directly after an unresolved argument. Try to edit a spreadsheet while being bored and wanting to be somewhere else. Guaranteed you will have to re-do it. Positivity. Productivity. Increased success. This is what we all want and it is so easy to do.
Start your day with a smile
There are many different aspects of work that are affected by being positive. Reciting from studies and personal experiences, positivity affects one’s mindset, motivation, concentration, and energy. A happier mindset allows for more creativity and collaboration in the workplace. This can be very important when trying to get a task done while working with other people.
Have you ever been in a situation where there is a job to do and no one wants to get it done? I have 4 kids and I can assure you that if you can find something fun, something creative, something exciting about any job, kids and adults alike are more likely to get up off of that chair and get to work. They will be more tempted to have fun with the project – possibly racing to see who will get done first or compete to see who does it the best. Laughter, conversation and collaboration will most likely be involved. It stands to reason that if you can get more accomplished while having a positive attitude, you will have just made your boss very happy because more is good for business.
Happiness and positivity are contagious, too
Happiness and positivity are contagious too, so now you will have helped possibly your whole team becomes more positive which will increase their productivity. The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School has produced evidence that happier people do a better job. In their study employees that were happy not only worked faster, with better results (13% better) and they did not add any extra work hours. That is a big bonus for any company! Negative energy is perceived by most and can cause more disagreements, disputes, and tension between co-workers, family, and friends. If any of you have siblings or children, I am sure you can attest to this! A positive outlook on anything that you are trying to accomplish is the best possible scenario. It can cause one to be more enthusiastic, energetic, and just plain happy about whatever task they are given.
A positive outlook is the best possible scenario
The impacts of positivity on an individual as well as the people around them are endless. It plays a part in the workplace, but it also impacts one’s home life. As a wife, mother of 4, project manager, business owner, and more, being productive is a huge part of my day. Staying positive while I am being productive is the only way I can be successful. It is the ultimate solution! You are able to get a lot accomplished while at the same time you are enjoying your day. Smile, laugh, and get to work!
Renee Humes
Project Manager
Staying happy and positive is undeniably the way to a more productive lifestyle.
