Are we missing the point about employee productivity?

I am continually astonished how many people I meet in my travels seem so unhappy at work. Stressed, uptight and overloaded. I suppose I shouldn't be, as times are tough and the pressures on us all has a flow effect to our own wellbeing, sense of purpose and ultimately happiness.

But on the other hand, do you ever just take the time to truly step out, to smell the roses, go for a walk, savour a beautiful sunrise or sunset. Sometimes the world seems to be racing just too fast that we all need to slow down. Tehnology has made us almost always 'on demand' rather than slowing the pace.

It is no mistake in the busy workforce world the best offices are those with views and outlooks: as the saying goes in real estate it's called position. position.position. The same should apply to the office rather than employees being 'contained' all of us should be able to enjoy something of nature. Even if it is only a pot plant on our desk, the sound of water or beautiful earthy music. It keeps us grounded.

One of the receommendations Dr's use in treating workplace stress is to encourage people to 'get grounded', get close to nature, like gardening, feeling connected with the earth. I think we need to go back to the basics and help employers understand that if you have a happy grounded workplace you have a productive workforce which equal more profits. And in tough times if you can't invest in your staff this way something is really wrong! Footnote: Interested in learning more, a good article from Forbes crossed my desk this morning

Ten Ways to be happy at work