In recent years, social interest in well-being has increased. Well-being is understood to mean satisfaction with life, a sense of fulfillment, and positive emotions. Every time an employee experiences a moment of happiness, positive emotions arise, which increases creativity and innovation. This creates a virtuous cycle that leads to better business performance. It has been found that if companies and managers create a happy and cheerful workplace, sick leave will decrease and medical expenses will also decrease. On the other hand, employees with low levels of happiness are often evaluated as taking more sick leave and performing less well than other employees.
Well-being is often discussed in positive terms. However, it has been found that placing too much importance on happiness or seeking happiness too much can have a negative effect on well-being. When people set a goal, they can feel disappointed if they do not reach a high standard. Because they desire a high level, they often do not achieve their goals. As a result, people feel a sense of frustration when their goals are not achieved, and disappointment when they fail. People who value happiness tend to demand high standards, which leads to a decline in well-being. If companies are not careful when promoting well-being measures, it may have the opposite effect. In the areas of management and human resources, employees’ continued physical and mental health has a positive impact on the organization.
Well-being is an attractive theme for companies. There seem to be three points to note when companies try to promote this attractive well-being. The first is not to use the word “well-being” too much when trying to improve the well-being of employees. The second is a method of focusing on growth rather than happiness. When growth is achieved through work, people can be positive about developing their abilities. As growth is realized, the scope of what can be achieved is expanded and motivation for work increases. Companies encourage employees to focus on growth rather than happiness. It is a method of acquiring well-being by seeing the daily sense of accomplishment and the results of work. The third is the connection between people. Deepening connections creates relationships of mutual respect. In these relationships, people can work with a sense of psychological security.
