Being Thankful for Being in the Channel

Reading the November 26 issue of Time magazine yesterday was very coincidental. During a day when one is with family and presumably thankful and happy, the cover story article described the “average American.” Additionally, they devised a “happiness” index for many positions. Channel roles scored well:

Construction supply sales 55.89% are happy
Architects 53.5%
Engineers 46.29%
Advertising/Marketing Managers 40.89%
Wholesale buyers / Purchasing 39.7%
Truck drivers 33.7%
Electricians 30.2%

So this holiday season, be thankful that you’re not your customer! As managers, our role is to find ways to make our people happier in their roles. Compensation is typically a minor component of “happiness”. Understanding company direction, feeling that you can contribute, a fun work environment, challenging work, training, a sense of stability, growth opportunities and more are important to making the workforce “happy.” And studies have shown that the happier/more satisfied your workforce, the better they serve the customer, hence greater customer loyalty.

What do you (or your company do) to make your/its workforce “happy”?