Harvard researchers completed a study of Adult Development and followed control groups over 80 years.
“The surprising finding is that our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health,” said Robert Waldinger, director of the study, a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “Taking care of your body is important, but tending to your relationships is a form of self-care too. That, I think, is the revelation.” (Source)
After enduring prolonged periods of isolation and detachment, people are now craving relationships and happiness like never before.
As companies recognize the significant impact of relationships with depth on overall well-being, companies are upping their focus on building a sense of community within their teams. They understand that when people feel emotionally fulfilled and joyful, they choose to bring their best selves to their team. People who have uncovered belonging and purpose in their work feel a different level of happiness, and are more open to growth, and view the workplace as an opportunity not an obligation. This is the happy gene that is built.
On the flip side, there are those who seem to hang on to a negative outlook and it becomes a normal way of life for them. It has been ingrained in their routine, where they look for the negative and leaves them unaware of their patterns and the environment around them. This negativity gene pushes others away and results in loneliness and feelings of disconnectedness.
Being aware of whether you have the happy gene or negative gene allows you to celebrate your good patterns or tackle rewiring your brain. At the core of re-wiring your patterns is through self-reflection.
By spending time on self-reflection, individuals can challenge their negative tendencies and intentionally shift towards a more positive mindset. Acknowledging that authentic connections and finding joy and meaning in what you do can unlock the happy gene.
Team Human Conversation
Fight workplace zombies in your organization and join Team Human! Gather a group of fellow workplace zombie hunters to discuss our most recent blog post. Use the questions below to kick start your conversation.
Do you feel you are operating from more of a happy gene or negative gene and why?
How do you prioritize your happiness and well-being and that of your team? What strategies or initiatives do you implement to foster a joyful environment?
How could we measure happiness levels within our team/company?
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