Focuses on the training and development needs of admin professionals and features topics such as hard skills (software competencies, writing, communication, filing) and soft skills (teamwork, time management, leadership).
Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/883293
OCTOBER 2017 2 Factors that influence your happiness at work Are you happy at work? If you are happy more often than not, do you think it makes a difference in the quality of work you produce? People who have studied happiness are convinced that your satisfaction and engagement in your work contrib- ute to the success of your organization and that the organization benefits in measurable ways such as productivity, recruitment and retention. To demonstrate and learn more about the power of happiness to help businesses succeed, two companies collaborated in a research project based on an online survey of more than 12,000 workers in the United States and Canada late last year (2016). The companies are: • Robert Half, an international spe - cialized staffing firm, which assists professionals in finding jobs "where they can thrive while helping compa- nies build happier, more productive teams" (see "It's Time We All Work Happy: The Secrets of the Happiest Companies and Employees" pub- lished on the Robert Half website); and • Happiness Works, a consultancy that has developed "a happiness analytics platform which enables forward- looking organizations to understand, measure and harness employee happiness." The study examines "what really matters to employees," the connection between happiness and performance, and steps employers can take to in - crease employee satisfaction. In general, the study found, em- ployees are happy at work, but there's plenty of room for improvement. A state of happiness cannot be mandat- ed, of course, but the organization can create conditions that allow happiness and positivity to flourish. The study identified six factors that influence employee happiness. It also linked survey findings to age groups, company size, rank within the orga- nization, length of tenure and type of profession (administrative being one). The six factors: Right fit for the job and company� Recruit with care, including attention to soft skills. "Re-recruit" employees from time to time to ensure the fit is still there. A sense of empowerment� Offer support, not micromanagement. The study revealed that 23 per cent felt little or no control over their work, 26 per cent felt they had no opportunity to be creative. Feeling appreciated� It's the second biggest driver of happiness for respon - dents in both Canada and the United States and is closely linked to being able to exercise self-direction. Interesting and meaningful work� Connecting to the organization's vi- sion is big (and challenging, especially in larger organizations). Participation in community projects can make a dif- ference too. A sense of fairness� A big part is compensation. Just 52 per cent of women said they were paid fairly ver- sus 58 per cent of men. Positive workplace relationships� "When a manager embodies positiv- ity, their influence touches their team, clients and even their clients' custom- ers." Marketing & creative reported the highest levels of on-the job happiness and interest in their work. Technology reported the lowest stress levels. Administrative ranked sixth in both level of happiness and lowest stress levels and fifth in level of interest in work. Admins are often in a position to influence the tenor of the organization – at least within their team and often further. Read the entire report: https://www.roberthalf.com.hk/its- time-we-all-work-happy E D I TO R ' S N OT E George Pearson Administrative Assistant's Update is published once a month by Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Director, Media Solutions, Canada: Karen Lorimer Publisher: Todd Humber Editor: George Pearson george@adminupdate.ca Associate Editor: Jennifer Lewington jennifer@adminupdate.ca EDITORIAL OFFICE (519) 271-6000 Administrative Assistant's Update Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. 1 Corporate Plaza, 2075 Kennedy Road Toronto, ON M1T 3V4 CUSTOMER SERVICE (416) 609-3800 (800) 387-5164 FAX (416) 298-5082 (877) 750-9041 customersupport.legaltaxcanada @tr.com Contents copyright. All rights reserved. © 2017 Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Brief extracts may be made with due acknowledgement. Annual subscription: $189. Publications Mail Registration No. 40065782 GST# 897176350 UPDATE Administrative Assistant's