How to make work your happy place

During this Mental Health Awareness Month, we are exploring how credit managers can feel happy and fulfilled in their careers. Happiness is not merely a byproduct of success but a powerful catalyst for it. Credit managers must cultivate a positive mindset to find the true purpose of their role.

Why it matters: The key is to leverage practical strategies to infuse joy and fulfillment into every aspect of being a credit manager.

By the numbers: According to a Zipdo report, approximately 53% of Americans are currently unhappy at work while 85% of people are dissatisfied with their jobs worldwide.

Aside from decreased work productivity and efficiency, unhappiness can have lasting effects on mental health and overall quality of life. “This striking figure calls for heightened attention, fostering a sense of urgency to develop effective strategies and create healthier, happier workplaces across the board,” the report reads.

Another Zipdo report revealed that:

• Companies with a formal engagement strategy in place report 64% greater annual revenue growth.
• Companies with great workplace culture have 50% less turnover.

Yes, but: Happiness, the state of being happy, is experienced differently by everyone. It can vary depending on industry type, company culture, job position and the individual.

What credit professionals are saying: Kyle French, credit manager at Blue Water Industries LLC (Jacksonville, FL), says happiness at work is created by using the tools around him to accomplish the job. “Nobody wants to be given a task at work and then not be able to use the right tools available,” he said. “I’m happy to work for a company that gives us the tools we need to do our jobs and to do them effectively.”

For some credit professionals, happiness varies day-by-day. “You have to create what you perceive to be your happiness every day,” said Scott Chase, CCE, CICP, global director of credit at Gibson Brands Inc. (Nashville, TN). “What we come across in a single day is completely different than the day before. In the end, if I’ve made a difference, then I’ve claimed happiness for myself.”

Although there is no set way to measure or track happiness, we’ve listed some tips for creating a healthier and happier work environment:

Check in with yourself and others

Research shows that helping others can increase happiness and well-being. When we act selflessly, we immerse ourselves in positive emotions like gratitude, compassion and joy. It also helps to make connections better and stronger.

Yazmin Miller, CBF, CCRA, CICP, corporate credit manager at Feralloy Corporation (Chicago, IL), finds happiness in her job by doing something that matters for someone. “Helping someone inside or outside my team makes me feel good in and out of the office,” she said. “Happy employees also make for better results and higher productivity overall.”

Whether it’s a short text message or an in-person meeting, checking in on staff members can significantly raise happiness levels. Showing them that you care, fosters open communication and connectedness.

Miller engages with her team throughout the day, even if they are working from home, to increase their happiness. “I try to do little things for them like buying them lunch or letting them leave earlier on Fridays, which really makes them feel valued,” she said. “Knowing that somebody is looking out for them makes them feel less alone. And at the end of the day, they go above and beyond, surpassing expectations.”

Studies show that employees who regularly communicate with one another are more productive. According to a TeamStage report:

• Nearly 70% of the workforce would be more productive with effective communication in the workplace.
• 69% of employees would work harder if they felt appreciated by their employers.

Show appreciation

Expressing gratitude and praise for an individual’s performance enhances workplace happiness. A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that employees who feel valued are more likely to report better physical and mental health.

Appreciation also has a positive impact on teamwork and collaboration. When employees feel valued, their collaboration and idea sharing improve, boosting productivity, decision-making and company outcomes.

Become a mentor

Mentoring colleagues or staff has a mutual effect on overall happiness at work. Simultaneously learning from each other leads to higher job performance and stronger relationships.

“As my team’s chief motivation officer, I want to increase my team’s performance and make sure they’re happy in what they do,” Chase said. “I continually demonstrate my understanding of their aspirations and desired growth. If a person has something that they can move towards and they feel comfortable in, that contributes to a positive work environment.”

Maintain serenity

A serene workplace can ease tension and elevate workplace happiness. French makes sure his credit department is serene in the following ways:

• Management instead of micromanaging.
• A bright, clean and an uplifting office atmosphere.

Sometimes happiness can vary generationally. What one generation finds comfortable can differ from another generation such as the preference for hybrid, remote or on-site jobs. “Different generations have accomplished different things in life and are going to have different goals and different things are going to make them happy at work or increase job satisfaction,” French said.

Reestablish purpose

The daily grind can often demotivate employees, making them lose sight of their purpose. Reaffirming their professional value can boost job satisfaction and motivation. Providing growth opportunities like training programs can increase job contentment and fulfillment.

If the employee is still unhappy with their state of affairs, work with the person to find something else they can do within or outside the organization.

The big picture: Promoting happiness in the workplace significantly enhances productivity and job satisfaction among credit professionals, contributing to overall success in B2B credit management.

Are you attending Credit Congress 2024 in Las Vegas? Be sure to stop by the Zen Den in the Calabria Meeting Room during the conference to unwind with peaceful ambiance, soothing music and rejuvenating