How to bring more joy to your workplace

According to Gallup, 85 percent of the workforce is not engaged and are even considered actively disengaged. But Gallup also found great workplaces can change the world. Nikki Karnowski of Metamorphosis Coaching, Consulting, and Training has a few tips to bring more joy to work.

Her first two tips are simple: Smile and show you care.

“Smiling is contagious,” she said. “Just think of how you’re showing up to work and how you’re presenting yourself.”

Next, she offered ideas for how to create a safe space. To do that, it’s important to value and demonstrate safety and inspire people to more authenticity. Karnowski says none of us should put up with gross or bullying behaviors.

“When people feel safe, they’re going to feel more of themselves, more at home, and they’re going to perform better. They’re going to enjoy where they’re at more,” Karnowski said.

The feel of a workspace can also influence our joy. Karnowski says it’s important to create a beautiful workspace for yourself, get outside once in a while, and build in mini breaks for yourself and your team.

“It’s different for all of us. Some people, it might be like, I’m going to once a week treat myself to beautiful flowers and I’m going to put those on my desk,” she said. “Maybe some people it’s their favorite quotes.”

She also brought an example of a gratitude jar, which could be done individually or with a team.

Learn more about Metamorphosis CCT.