Researchers from the UK have found that the work environment has a significant effect on a person’s perception of well-being and happiness.
Queen Mary University of London investigators discovered positive aspects of working life — such as high levels of control at work, good support from supervisors and colleagues, and feeling cared for — were linked to higher levels of life happiness.
Researchers discovered higher levels of happiness were impacted by:
- high levels of control at work;
- high levels of emotional support and being able to confide in others;
- low levels of job strain.
Researchers believe the study shows that working conditions and good personal relationships increase levels of well-being — even after taking into account other sources of life satisfaction and distress, plus individual characteristics such as personality traits.
The findings therefore suggest increasing the positive aspects of work — rather than simply reducing the negative aspects — may lead to improved morale and greater well-being among the working population.
The quality of the working environment has a very important effect on how a person feels and greater well-being may also be related to greater productivity and performance at work, increased commitment and staff retention as well as effects on physical health and lifespan.
Source:
http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/11/21/work-environment-plays-key-role-in-well-being-happiness/62340.html