Workplace engagement and happiness and hormones

• Dopamine
• Oxytocin
• Serotonin
• Adrenaline

The engagement and happiness hormones under the microscope

• Dopamine enables us to feel a sense of inner reward when we achieve our goals. This is vital in giving us a sense of progress and feeling that we are on the right track.
• Oxytocin is triggered when we sense opportunities to connect with others in a meaningful way and thrive. It directly opens the body up for engagement.
• Serotonin AKA The Happiness Hormone, impacts our mood. Too little leads to depression, problems with anger control, metabolism and sleep.
• Adrenaline primes us for action just like putting our feet on the car accelerator. It is essential for us to be energised. Adrenaline can fuel both anxiety and enthusiasm.

Creating an engaged and happy hormonal balance

• Dopamine: Ensure your people understand the company vision and are acknowledged for efforts / achievements, so they feel their everyday dopamine hits.
• Oxytocin: Ensure your people have purpose within their roles and have access to a working space that encourages collaboration and engagement.
• Serotonin: We cannot expect to be happy all of the time, but we are designed to express our talent. The trick is finding an organisation that aligns people’s talents with organisational needs. Let people be who they are designed to be. At The Happiness Index we call this “Freedom to be Human”
• Adrenaline: Help your people be conscious of the energetic impact they have on each other and the culture. We can all give each other energy or take it away. Leaders must be tuned into this.