Research has found that workers are 13% more productive at work when they are happy. Whether you are a new employee or have been in your position for several years, smiling can benefit you in many ways. Let’s identify when to smile and how it can be beneficial to everyone. We will also explore some instances when you may not want to smile.
Promotes Productivity
You may think that it shouldn’t matter if you are smiling and happy to be able to do your work but in fact it does. If you’re smiling it boosts your overall health including mental health. When this happens, you become more productive with your time and work faster. Think back on a time when you were having a bad day and how it affected your work. Most of us aren’t focusing on the task at hand, and in turn you don’t get much done. Negative thoughts flood your brain and leaves little room to do any real productive thinking and in turn your work suffers.
Strengthens Your Relationships
Smiling shows that you are approachable and can help build strong work relationships. This helps especially when working on team projects; coworkers are more liking to share their thoughts and ideas with you. Smiling when meeting a new person shows positive intent and helps them relax, especially if they’re feeling a bit nervous as the new person. When a coworker is presenting in front of others is another great time to smile; it gives them your support and an extra boost of confidence they need.
Become a Better Leader
As a leader smiling can help you in a variety of ways. If you smile, this indicates you enjoy your job and as a leader you should. People want to work for a company and a boss that truly enjoys what they do. If you look like you don’t want to be at work, then it gives off a negative office setting and may rub off on other coworkers creating a hostile work environment. There may be some instances where you wouldn’t want to smile such as when you are delivering bad news or involved in a serious conversation. Make sure you read the room to know what the best approach is for the situation.
Working from Home
Even if you work from home you can still use smiling as a key to improve your work. When you are on a video conference smiling can help indicate that you are present and listening. When a conversation is serious you would not want to smile, however. Smiling makes you seem friendly and may put coworkers at ease that seem a little nervous. A lot of people work at home and work alone but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t maintain a positive attitude and happy environment. Make sure to set up your office with things that will promote that such as photos, a window, or small items that make you happy. This will boost your productivity and make you work faster.
Smiling on The Phone
Just because you cannot see a smile does not mean that you cannot hear it. The acoustic effects of a smile’s stretched lips on speech changes the tone of your voice. Your voice sounds more upbeat and positive which may lead to a great phone conversation. If you are frowning it can make you seem rude and uninterested in what the caller has to say. Smiling can create a chemical reaction to your brain so even if you must fake it on the days you are in a bad mood it just might turn your day around.
Bottom Line
Genuine smiling can boost your daily productivity and lead to a happier work environment. If your leader sees that you are working faster and have a positive attitude this may lead to promotions among other things. Never underestimate the power of a great smile.
“Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.”
-Jay Danzi
