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Joy at work [DNA : Daily News & Analysis (India)]
[March 29, 2014]

Joy at work [DNA : Daily News & Analysis (India)]


(DNA : Daily News & Analysis (India) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Imagine being a sleepyhead who gets off his favourite hotspot only to reach an office that has a list of detriments one could even narrate in their sleep. A bad start to an otherwise-happy day can bring about an unhappy timeframe (day) and unneeded stress. Take an indigent workplace environment with a low payscale, add to that a grumpy, demotivating boss and a couple of colleagues who are of the opinion 'you-are-nothing-but-trash', and there you go...that's a perfect recipe for a disastrous work-zone.



An idea of a great workplace is, no doubt, subjective. For a better understanding, we conducted a mini-survey of our own, asking people what a happy workplace means to them. It doesn't take Einstein to figure out these basics-a good workplace would be one that has flexible work hours, good salary and perks, no threat of layoffs, a great team and promises good learning experience. Other responses we received were from a good hike, insurance and health benefits, flexible workhours (as long as one meets their deadline). Software engineer Sangeetha Mary Jose stated, "A great workplace is one which has no time tracking, work-from-home options, manager with some technical knowledge (not a people manager), open-door policies, timely recognition and rewards and yearly hike depending on performance." Techie Joe Sunny opines, "A great place to work at is one where they don't micromanage. Also, an office where one has the freedom to experiment with new approaches and is recognised for achievements, a sensible and logically-thinking manager and co-workers." The list sure is endless; the art of being gratified isn't a trait most people are acquainted with. But, while these may sound like pointers from a style-guide that you may think does not exist for a workplace, there are organisations (in India as well) that will prove you wrong.

They're watching you...


Every year, an exercise conducted by a research team on an annual basis, helps scout out a list of best companies to work at, jotting down offices with an amazing workplace culture.

The Great Place to Work, an independent entity in India, delivers rankings and recognises the best workplaces to be at in India. In one of their posts, they have identified a great place to work as one that comprises three fundamental relationships that an employee has-relationship with the management, with the work the person does and with other co-workers.

Google has won this award four times in a row. Other companies that have been consistently part of this list are Intel Technology Pvt. Ltd., Makemytrip India Pvt. Ltd and Forbes Marshall Pvt. Ltd. apart from others.

A Great workplace addS to your happiness quotient? Who would want to carry on with their workplace-troubles post office hours? Yes...we did hear that collective no, now! Thus, it is extremely important to be part of an organisation that keeps you stress-free.

Clinical psychologist and psychiatrist,  Mansi Shah, says, "A great workplace helps elevate the mood and accelerates the efficiency of a person. Feeling happy increases productivity, better decisions, higher motivation and focused goal-setting. It also improves the team to work more effectively. A good environment creates a contagion of positivity." An ideal happy-workzone iS...

Hasan also reiterates that if a workplace is happy, people look forward to come to work and put in their best in increasing the all-over productivity and efficiency.

There is no doubt then, that a stressed work environment negatively impact it's employees.

We spoke to Chacko Joseph, ex-employee of American Express Pvt. Ltd. (ranked fourth best in 2013) for a unbiased response.

He stated, "Amex has a small organisational chart, and the interpersonal communication was a great support for employees. We would have tours during the annual review (either in the country or abroad). Not only would they make our positives visible, but would motivate us as incentivising was a key factor too. We also had the freedom to work." The gist being, it is important employees bridge the gap and recognise their employees as asset.

  Top 10 happy workplaces IN 2013 (aCCORDING TO Great Place to Work INDIA) 1.Google India Pvt. Ltd.

2.Intel Technology India Pvt. Ltd.

3.Makemytrip India Pvt. Ltd.

4.American Express India Pvt. Ltd.

5.Marriott Hotels India Pvt. Ltd.

6.Classic Stripes Pvt. Ltd.

7.Scope International Pvt. Ltd.

8.Agilent Technologies 9.Claris Lifesciences Ltd.

10.NetApp India Pvt. Ltd HOW TO MAKE your workplace a happy-zone? Have an unauthoritative approach to work Provide the right incentives Appreciate and motivate employees Organise trips for employees Allow an employee to retain their creative voice Conduct team-building exercises A happy workplace...

We asked around to know what is people's idea of a happy workplace A happy workplace is one in which you have an environment where you feel confident of expressing yourself.- Abhideep Das A happy workplace is where you get goodies every week for being the best performer at work.- Arya Aniyan A place where people are more than just colleagues. And there is a mix of everything... bitching, work, fun and tension. - Suraj Uchil A happy workplace is one where I am trusted and granted the autonomy to work creatively.- Ushamrita Chowdhury Credit:Simi Kuriakose (c) 2014 @ 2014 DILIGENT MEDIA CORPORATION LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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