Abstract

Happiness is often defined as a dominance of positive over negative affect, together with a general evaluation of life as good. In a workplace, it is reflected in the level of job satisfaction, work engagement, and frequency of positive experiences. With an increasing interest in positive psychology, both scholars and practitioners have become interested in the benefits of achieving this state at work. This paper analyzes why it is important to invest in employees’ happiness and how it can be done. It begins by describing how the concept of work has changed over the years and how the meaning of work has evolved for four different generations currently present on the job market (Baby Boomers, and Generations X, Y, and Z), leading to the point where the topic of happiness at work began attracting the attention of scientists and practitioners. Results of empirical studies on the benefits of investing in employees’ happiness are then discussed. Finally, several ways of implementing happiness at work are presented.