THE HAPPINESS CHALLENGE

How can companies create more happiness and fulfillment for employees in the workplace?

The 2018 Ask More Ideas Challenge asked Mendoza alums, faculty and staff to share ideas for benefits, professional development opportunities, communication techniques
and social activities that can create an engaged workforce.

To see all of the suggestions, visit ideabuzz.com/a/buzz/mendoza/ideas2018. Here’s a sampling:

CANDID CONVERSATIONS
Thomas Willis (EMBA ’08)
This is where the greatest value is and where I believe God wants to operate. When we talk at the surface level, the soul remains untouched.

FLEXIBILITY
Lara Reichle (BBA ’02)
Offering employees some sort of flexibility is an extremely inexpensive way to make your employees feel trusted and valued.

RE-ENGINEER THE SUGGESTION BOX
Tom Keuten (MBA ’96)
Engage employees by asking them to submit innovative ideas using social media.

PROVIDE A JUST WAGE
Charlice Hurst, Assistant M&O Professor
The research is clear that adequate compensation and freedom from financial stress are major determinants of happiness and health.

HELP EMPLOYEES REACH LIFE GOALS
Taylor Boyd (BBA ’15)
My company offers monthly coaching sessions with a “dream manager” who guides through
one-on-one annual planning sessions.

MANAGE BY WALKING AROUND
Mike Vogel (BBA ’65)
Get out of your office and onto the factory floor, or warehouse or company store for all shifts. Ask questions and for suggestions.

RETHINK MENTORING
Jessica McManus Warnell, Associate M&O Teaching Professor
Create time and space for employees to engage with each other, at every level of the organization.

PLAY GAMES! (I’M NOT KIDDING)
Ramiro Ballesteros (BBA ’09)
I schedule at least one hour twice a month during the workday to gather as a team and play a board game.

CREATE TRUST AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY
Walter Sterling (MBA ’18)
In order to keep the best people and create a productive work environment, leaders must live out and project these values.

LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT WHAT THEY DO MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Paul Heroman (EMBA ’11, ND ’77)
People want to know their efforts make a difference to the organization and beyond.

TEACH YOUNG WORKERS TO UTILIZE PERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Alex Castellanos (EMBA ’17)
A key idea is to teach them to accept failure and learn from it, instead of becoming paralyzed.

FOCUS ON INCENTIVIZING IN THE PRESENT, NOT FOR THE FUTURE
Kelly Gill (MSA ’05, BBA ’04)
These might be smaller incentives (e.g., a free yoga class), but they could have more of an impact with longterm retention.

TRAIN MANAGERS TO BE A CALMING INFLUENCE
Tim Ponisciak (MBA ’07, BBA ’03)
Many employees, when dealing with a stressful issue at work, need their manager to offer reassurance and provide a steady hand.

PUT FAMILIES FIRST
Elise Yahner (BBA ’09)
The on-site daycare at my company is one of the most valuable benefits, along with family-friendly companywide events like picnics, holiday parties and movie nights.

Ask More of Business ™
Mendoza Business’ Ask More of Business™ feature is part of a series of stories highlighting Mendoza students and alumni who fulfill the College’s mission by using business as a force for good in society.