Workplace happiness: evidence from Lithuania
ENWorkplace happiness is an important topic in management as well as in psychology, which allows to look at the value of employment through the prism of fulfilment of employment expectations. While research repeatedly has shown that happier employees are more productive and loyal, however, it is still considered by a number of Lithuanian and global businessmen that happiness and business are incompatible. This study investigated employees’ expectations and real experience toward workplace happiness. Data was collected from 378 employees’ sample in a public sector (schools) in one Lithuanian region using confidential questionnaire survey. The findings indicate that all workplace happiness dimensions are perceived as very important to employees with expectations towards work environment, leadership, work-life balance and relationship with colleges considered as most significant, but reality does not meet employees’ expectations with the largest discrepancies on benefits and compensation and particularly – motivating compensation system. A number of insights are suggested for the managers and leaders in order to enhance the workplace happiness and increase employees’ satisfaction and loyalty. Keywords: workplace happiness, employee expectations, Human Resource Management, Lithuanian public sector.
