Oakleaf - Your Vision, Our Passion

Warwick Business School has produced a new study highlighting the positive impacts of having a happy workforce. Led by Andrew Oswald (Professor of Economics), the research team embarked on a series of tests which revolved around showing staff 10 minute film clips, some were treated to clips of well known British comedians and others just received "placebo" films.

Those candidates who reported an increase in happiness after watching the comedy clip showed significant improvements in productivity compared to the other subjects. Professor Oswald noted:

"Happier workers, our research found, were 12% more productive. Unhappier workers were 10% less productive."

The debate on how to improve worker productivity has long been a topic of discussion, and so this study from Warwick Business School has potentially opened up a new line of enquiry into the study. Their research suggests that one facet that has been fundamentally overlooked when considering how to increase productivity is human emotion - and it could prove to be a very powerful tool.

The conclusion of the study at this stage is that if happiness in the workplace directly results in improved productivity levels then Human Resources departments amongst others will need to take a step back and consider the implications.

Source: Jamie Doward (The Guardian Online - 12/07/2010)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/jul/11/happy-workers-are-more-productive