Why Ensuring Happiness in the Workplace Should Begin Before the First Interview by @BBorowicz

by Brittney Borowicz | Featured Contributor

For this month’s guest blog post, I am straying away from my usual marketing how-tos, tips and tricks and instead focusing on another topic I am very passionate about: happiness in the workplace.

Happiness in the workplace was not something I had every really considered when I first left college. I figured, a job is a job is a job, and it really doesn’t matter if you are happy, as long as you are getting a paycheck. Unfortunately, I come across people every day who have that same attitude I did years ago, thinking that work is just work and no matter what they do, they won’t be happy there.

Thankfully, all of that changed for me back in April of 2013. I had the great opportunity to met and listen to Vishen Lakhiani, CEO of Mindvalley speak at a local internet marketing conference. Rather than talk about technology and the latest internet marketing strategies, like every other presenter, Vishen tackled the topic of happiness at work.

About 70% of our waking hours are spent at work and therefore should be a place where people can find happiness, fulfillment and meaning. This isn’t just for an individual’s sanity and well-being but studies have also shown that happy employees make more productive employees.

Because of this, Vishen stressed the Five Principles of Happiness at Work. Rather than asking a person what they can do for your business, you should tell that talent what YOU can do for THEM.

This presentation and Vishen’s message came rushing back to my mind a little over a year ago after I received two extremely rude emails. The worst part was, they were from a company that wanted to hire me!

Here’s the story…

Before I started working in my current position, I came across a job posting for a Public Relations Account Executive. The company seemed great, the position was right up my alley and I was very excited when the owner of the company emailed me personally! Or, I was excited until I read the actual email…

Hi Brittney. Received your very elaborate cover letter! I must say I am a fan of much simpler, direct writing — but at least it shows you have personality. If you are interested in coming in for an interview this week…

From there, the owner invited me in for an interview. I have to admit, I was a bit turned off to the fact that our initial interaction seemingly included a backhanded compliment. Nonetheless, still excited about the potential position, I agreed to meet with the owner later that week.

The interview went well overall, however, I later accepted a position with another company that better suited the direction I wanted my career path to take.

I wrote out a letter to the woman I had just interviewed with thanking her for the interview and expressed my extreme appreciation for her time and her consideration. I then explained that I had accepted another position that better fit my career aspirations and wished her the best of luck as she continued her search for a new account executive.

Feeling that I had been very professional with my letter, especially since she hadn’t even offered me a position yet, I was extremely surprised to find this email in my inbox a few days later…

WOW- not weighing your options. Really? Good luck to you then… You’ll need it.

I was floored. Huh? Why? What just happened?

It took me a few hours but eventually I realized that I should not be upset about an unprofessional response from a business owner who first of all, conducted themselves that way, but who also could not offer me a positive work environment.

And for those of you wondering, I never responded to that last email.

How does your company ensure happiness within the workplace? Your techniques may not be as extreme as Vishen’s but, especially after this experience, I believe that measures to ensure happiness in the workplace should begin even before the first interview.

I am lucky to now work for a wonderful company that does everything it can to make sure its employees are happy and engaged. Not only does it make for a great work environment but a strong team.

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Brittney Borowicz is an integrated marketing professional with a strong communications background specializing in journalism, public relations and social media. Originally from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Brittney has spent the past few years working with entrepreneurs and start-ups in the Chicagoland area to enhance their marketing and social media efforts.

Prior to her current role as the Marketing Manager for an embedded networking company, Brittney realized her affinity for all things media and marketing while working in radio and television and as a professional presenter. Later, she began working at a couple of small marketing agencies in Chicago as a Public Relations and Sales Director and Account Manager, which required her to be well-versed in coordinating specialized public and media relations strategies, creative marketing initiatives and cohesive sales process implementations.

As a strong believer in intimate consumer/brand involvement, Brittney helps her clients create content that engages and educates brand audiences while establishing each individual or company as a thought leader in their industry.

Brittney Borowicz

Brittney Borowicz is an integrated marketing professional with a strong communications background specializing in journalism, public relations and social media. Originally from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Brittney has spent the past few years working with entrepreneurs and start-ups in the Chicagoland area to enhance their marketing and social media efforts.

Prior to her current role as the Marketing Manager for an embedded networking company, Brittney realized her affinity for all things media and marketing while working in radio and television and as a professional presenter. Later, she began working at a couple of small marketing agencies in Chicago as a Public Relations and Sales Director and Account Manager, which required her to be well-versed in coordinating specialized public and media relations strategies, creative marketing initiatives and cohesive sales process implementations.

As a strong believer in intimate consumer/brand involvement, Brittney helps her clients create content that engages and educates brand audiences while establishing each individual or company as a thought leader in their industry.