During this interview, available on YouTube , several critical topics were discussed with Olivia Chang:
- Annika Månsson shared her personal practices for staying optimistic in her work life such as: incorporating everyday routines, practising yoga and meditation, spending time in nature, and exploring the forest. Annika also discussed the influence of Swedish and Scandinavian culture on promoting happy and proactive workplaces.
- The discussion also covered ways to cultivate proactive and happy workplaces, including the importance of self-care in finding one’s own balance and team care as a leader’s responsibility. Annika emphasised the significance of clear communication, active presence, listening, and reassurance in creating a supportive work environment.
- The role of a Chief Happiness Officer was discussed, which involves facilitating human communication, cultivating well-being, and creating a supportive work environment where individuals can easily thrive.
- Importance of integrating sustainability – sustainable and resilient leadership: caring, sharing, daring to create a new leadership approach.
- The top concerns of employers and employees were addressed, including feelings of being lost and out of balance. Happy at Work provides solutions to these concerns by building resilience through online coaching sessions for individuals, as well as promoting team care through workshops focused on improving interactions, working on values, and addressing emotions. The method of 3 RRR – Relations, Results, and Resilience – was emphasized as a tool to help individuals and teams thrive in the workplace.
- Finally, Annika discussed some warning signals that managers should look out for with their employees, such as change in behaviour, appearing tired, being uncommunicative, working long hours, missing team meetings, or being consistently late.
- In addition, she provided helpful advice for individuals who may be feeling down or lacking motivation, suggesting they acknowledge and accept negative feelings, focus on positive thinking, reflect on what went well, practice gratitude exercises, mindfulness, and support others. With these strategies, individuals and workplaces alike can cultivate a more positive and fulfilling work experience.