Tue, September 01, 2009 - 9:49:18

Happy Employees Make Happy Customers

A few days ago, we commented on a very thoughtful blog post by Chief Happiness Officer author Alexander Kjerulf in which he posed the question, “Does happiness matter where you work?” and of course we answered with a resounding “YES!”  From the time we founded The Kaplan Thaler Group over a decade ago, we’ve operated with the philosophy that happy employees result in happier clients and now, as a billion dollar agency, we believe we’re on to something.

While we certainly take our business seriously, we also know that a happy, lighthearted atmosphere at work not only increases productivity, it actually makes for more creative employees.  And it was even scientifically proven by University of Michigan psychologist Chris Robert.  Don’t believe us?  Well, if science hasn’t sold you on the idea, consider how we have created some of the most attention getting ads in the business.

Before we begin each meeting at The Kaplan Thaler Group, we have a tradition of making small talk, cracking jokes, and making each other laugh in order to loosen everyone up.  We’ve found that by starting out having fun, we open ourselves up to better communication and stronger ideas.  And when dealing with a particularly “sensitive” topic, it can work wonders.  In fact, our little ritual not only loosened everyone up when we set to work on a new campaign for Trojan condoms, it actually inspired it.  After trading jokes about the eternal battle of the sexes, one thing led to another, and before we knew it, the Trojan pigs were snorting their way across TV screens nationwide.

And we’re not the only ones who know that keeping our employees happy results in even happier customers.  Just listen to what Southwest Airlines President Emeritus Colleen Barrett says in this fascinating lecture, forwarded to us by Alexander Kjerulf, to students at The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. 

So, take our advice and in the words of the old Summer Stock classic, “come on, get happy!” When you chase your cares away, you’ll discover the joys of a better, more productive workplace.

 

Posted by Linda and Robin