The Truth of Pursuing Happiness in The Workplace

The Paradox of Workplace Happiness

The Paradox of Workplace Happiness

Happiness is elusive, like the bounce of a ping pong ball. Pic by https://unsplash.com/@ashanedis

“Happiness is not a goal…it’s a by-product of a life well lived.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

Do we have an idealized version of happiness at work? Or is it for real?

I would say both. Especially when it comes to the workplace. Many organizations— either by choice or the need to retain talent — are making happiness at work a top priority.

A couple of years ago, authors André Spicer and Carl Cederström created a corporate storm challenging the notion that happiness is good. In their Harvard Business Review article, they attacked what they call the ‘gospel of happiness’ at many organizations. The authors believe, backed by research, that happiness can do more harm than good at the workplace.

The other side of the coin is a collection of neuroscientists and positive psychology advocates, such as the self-proclaimed Chief Happiness office, who believes that happiness is t…