As a new resident of Singapore, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this fine city was most recently named the 6th Blue Zone by Blue Zone Guru Dan Buettner. Dan has written a book called “The Blue Zone Secrets for Living Longer: Lessons from the healthiest places on earth”. Buettner calls Singapore the “blue zone 2.0—the next frontier of aging” in his new book, which highlights the multicultural island of Indian, Malay, and Chinese influence as a beacon of health and happiness. But unlike other Blue Zones, whose longevity stems from years of history, culture, and tradition, Singapore’s status comes from engineered change over time.
This is a fascinating concept that got me thinking about how you go about “engineering” happiness and is happiness over-looked when it comes to how and where we work? We seem constantly in the pursuit of happiness after all.
What is Happiness and Why Does It Matter?
Happiness, often perceived as an elusive, subjective state, is increasingly recognized as a measurable and significant factor in workplace productivity and employee well-being. It transcends mere emotional contentment, encompassing a broader sense of fulfillment, engagement, and purpose. In the workplace, happiness is not just about creating a pleasant atmosphere; it's about fostering an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated.
The Role of a Well-Designed Workplace in Fostering Happiness
A well-designed workplace goes beyond aesthetic appeal, playing a pivotal role in cultivating employee happiness. Here’s how:
Singapore's status as a Blue Zone offers invaluable insights into the potential of purposefully engineered or designed happiness in the workplace. By understanding and implementing the metrics of happiness - from physical space design to recognition and personalization - businesses can create workplaces that not only drive productivity and innovation but also nurture the holistic well-being of their employees. Happiness is ours to create.
About Tim Larson, Unispace Managing Director & Chief Creative Officer &, Asia
|
Tim Larson, Chief Creative Officer & Unispace Managing Director, Asia. Based in our Singapore studio, Tim is the Chief Creative Officer and Unispace Managing Director, Asia. He has been a leading innovator in the field of designing emerging experiences, and interaction in architectural environments for more than 25 years. Previously Design Principal, Downstream, our experience design agency, he grew the business through pioneering new approaches in corporate interiors, retail stores, sports and entertainment venues, among other space types. Connect with Tim on LinkedIn |