Happiness and Motivation in the Workplace

Abstract

This chapter aimed to understand the relationship between motivation and happiness at work through a comprehensive literature review applied to the case study in the SME. The research explored the importance of work by identifying factors which may influence employees. Topics such as working conditions and organizational climate were addressed to understand their impact on individuals and the organization. Organizational happiness and role-specific happiness were analyzed, identifying key factors affecting workers' happiness in each dimension along with some antecedents of happiness at work. The dimension of motivation was then discussed, highlighting motivational theories to understand their application to the subject. Subsequently, a quantitative methodology was adopted using a questionnaire with previously validated scales applied to a specific organization. The questionnaire was answered by 85% of employees. The results suggest that the company has happy and motivated employees. Furthermore, a positive and bidirectional relationship between motivation and happiness was evidenced.