Happiness at Work

Jessica Pryce-Jones is CEO and founder of the Oxford-based consultancy iOpener, which enables people to improve their performance and organizations to develop sustainably. A regular speaker and media commentator, she featured in the BBC series Making Slough Happy and CNN’s special on happiness at work. Pryce-Jones teaches and coaches leaders at London Business School, Chicago Booth, Saïd Business School in Oxford, and Judge Business School in Cambridge. Clients include multinationals in banking, IT, health, publishing, and engineering as well as the public and not-for-profit sectors.

• Prologue. Acknowledgments.1 Why Happiness at Work? Why Now?2 The Research Journey.3 Contribution from the Inside-Out.4 Contribution from the Outside-In.5 Conviction.6 Culture.7 Commitment.8 Confidence.9 Pride, Trust, and Recognition.10 Achieving Your Potential.Happiness at Work: A Conclusion.What Next?References.Dramatis Personae.Index.

"After reading this book, I certianly did not need any more convincing that happiness at work matters. I am usually wary of self-help books, but the author's message is too simple to be ignored.... Read this book, take action and get happier at work." (Edge, 1 September 2011)"Pryce-Jones, who is among a growing number of experts studying the connection between happiness and productivity in the workplace, suggests there's a significant difference between happiness and engagement." (Human Resource Executive Online, October 2010)"This book is a useful addition to the array of books published in recent years the objective of which is to help folks who are not social scientists or clinical therapists understand happiness as a concept and how the research thereon over the past few decades can be used to achieve greater levels of personal happiness and the successes in life that go therewith." (Social Indicators Network News, May 2010)"The author undertook an enormous five year study of the concept and implications of happiness at both work and at home. The result of the intensive interviews underlined the critical importance of workplace happiness, and its correlation with a happier personal life." (Blog Business World, June 2010)"Normally I pick a book up, read the first few pages, then find I can't face it and end up leaving it in a hotel room. But this book, I picked it up, started to read it and I thought, ‘Hallelujah! Here is a book that makes sense at last.' And that was just so refreshing. I don't even have a copy at the moment, because I have given about ten of them away to people saying, 'You have just got to read this!'" (Fivebooks.com, June 2010)"So, if you want a workplace filled with happy workers who are more productive, engaged and willing to contribute, then you need to read this wonderful book by Jessica Pryce-Jones." (Inside Personal Growth, May 2010)"Everyone gripes about work, but Jessica Pryce-Jones, founder of British human-asset management consultancy iOpener, discovered that, believe it or not, work makes us happy. In her straightforward examination of the relationships among work, productivity and happiness, she takes readers on a journey through the core elements of happiness at work, ultimately tasking them with reaching their own happy place." (Kirkus Living Well Supplement, June 2010)"Whether you're an individual who wants to enjoy the personal benefits that derive from happiness or part of a management team that recognizes the direct correlation between happiness and productivity, Happiness at Work is the essential guide to understanding this once-elusive subject." (HR.com, April 2010)"An excellent study in employee happiness. There is a lot of value to be gained from this book." (Teach the Soul, April 2010)"A useful and informative guide in helping employers create environments and structures that keep employees happy and productive." (Basil & Spice, April 2010)"Sharing the results of her four–year research journey in simple, jargon–free language, [Pryce-Jones] exposes unexpected secrets about being happy at work." (StrategyDriven, April 2010)"[Pryce-Jones] demystifies the latest research, illustrating her findings with a fascinating array of over 80 revealing interviews." (The CEO Refresher, April 2010)"A fascinating new book based on many years of consulting and coaching experience … .Packed with case studies." (CNNMoney.com, April 2010)"Good trainer that she is, Pryce-Jones works hard to convert knowledge to understanding, and finally, to practical action. This is a 'How To' book for grown-ups who recognise they can try harder and deserve better." (Management Today, February 2010)"A very good book for understanding aspects of work that traditionally aren't considered 'important.' And if you're struggling with a job (either new or long-term) that doesn't seem to have that 'spark,' you may find out why (as well as how to change yourself and get re-centered)." (Duffbert's Random Musings, March 2010)