Happiness at Work (eBook)

Jessica Pryce-Jones is CEO and founder of the Oxford-based consultancy iOpener, which enables people to improve their performance and organizations to develop sustainably. A regular speaker and media commentator, she featured in the BBC series Making Slough Happy and CNN's special on happiness at work. Pryce-Jones teaches and coaches leaders at London Business School, Chicago Booth, Saïd Business School in Oxford, and Judge Business School in Cambridge. Clients include multinationals in banking, IT, health, publishing, and engineering as well as the public and not-for-profit sectors.

Prologue.

Acknowledgments.

1 Why Happiness at Work? Why Now?

2 The Research Journey.

3 Contribution from the Inside-Out.

4 Contribution from the Outside-In.

5 Conviction.

6 Culture.

7 Commitment.

8 Confidence.

9 Pride, Trust, and Recognition.

10 Achieving Your Potential.

Happiness at Work: A Conclusion.

What Next?

References.

Dramatis Personae.

Index.

"Everyone gripes about work, but Jessica Pryce-Jones, founder of British human-asset management consultancy iOpener, discovered that, believe it or not, work makes us happy. In her straightforward examination of the relationships among work, productivity and happiness, she takes readers on a journey through the core elements of happiness at work, ultimately tasking them with reaching their own happy place." (Kirkus Living Well Supplement, June 2010)

"Whether you're an individual who wants to enjoy the personal benefits that derive from happiness or part of a management team that recognizes the direct correlation between happiness and productivity, Happiness at Work is the essential guide to understanding this once-elusive subject." (HR.com, April 2010)

"An excellent study in employee happiness. There is a lot of value to be gained from this book." (Teach the Soul, April 2010)

"A useful and informative guide in helping employers create environments and structures that keep employees happy and productive." (Basil & Spice, April 2010)

"Sharing the results of her four-year research journey in simple, jargon-free language, [Pryce-Jones] exposes unexpected secrets about being happy at work." (StrategyDriven, April 2010)

"[Pryce-Jones] demystifies the latest research, illustrating her findings with a fascinating array of over 80 revealing interviews." (The CEO Refresher, April 2010)

"A fascinating new book based on many years of consulting and coaching experience ... .Packed with case studies." (CNNMoney.com, April 2010)

"Good trainer that she is, Pryce-Jones works hard to convert knowledge to understanding, and finally, to practical action. This is a 'How To' book for grown-ups who recognise they can try harder and deserve better." (Management Today, February 2010)

"A very good book for understanding aspects of work that traditionally aren't considered 'important.' And if you're struggling with a job (either new or long-term) that doesn't seem to have that 'spark,' you may find out why (as well as how to change yourself and get re-centered)." (Duffbert's Random Musings, March 2010)We all want to be happy in every area of our lives, including work. This book offers the secret to finding happiness at work for us all, which in turn helps us to experience a more meaningful and healthy life.'
--Lynne Franks, author of The Seed Handbook: The Feminine Way to Create Business

'Illustrated with fascinating and diverse interviews, this book is understandable and easy to read. Jess Pryce-Jones has definitely created a great guide for anyone who wants to improve their working life.'
--Cathy L. Greenberg, PhD, New York Times Best Selling author of What Happy Working Mothers Know, and Managing Partner of h2c Happy Companies Healthy People

'Jessica Pryce-Jones establishes happiness as more than a fleeting feeling; she argues that it is a critical resource for successful work and a good life. She brings her years of experience to bear on this important topic and provides practical tools for achieving more happiness at work. The book is wonderfully written.'
--Robert Biswas-Diener, author of Positive Psychology Coaching