Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009000592186491

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Smith, Brian

Committee Member

Strawderman, Lesley

Committee Member

Burch, Reuben F.

Committee Member

Freeman, Charles

Date of Degree

12-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU only 2 years

Document Type

Dissertation - Campus Access Only

Major

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Department

Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering

Abstract

Happiness has been a subject of enduring interest for philosophers across the ages. Aristotle contended that it was a fundamental requirement for a fulfilling life, while Thomas Jefferson considered it an "unalienable right" in the Declaration of Independence of the United States. The significance of emotional well-being in the workplace first gained attention during the Hawthorne studies of the 1920s. It continued to be a focal point in subsequent periods, including Henry Maslow's work in the 1940s and the emergence of positive psychology as a means of understanding human potential. These foundational ideas gave rise to theories such as the happy-productive worker thesis, which advances the notion that happiness is vital for enhanced organizational outcomes. In 2010, Cynthia Fisher introduced the concept of "happiness at work," encompassing factors such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and employee engagement. The benefits of promoting happiness at work are manifold, including reduced absenteeism and turnover, heightened productivity, improved job performance, and better learning and teamwork. The first study examines the literature on workplace happiness both prior to and following the onset of COVID-19, considering the pandemic's significant impact on the work environment. The second study determines whether an individual's happiness at work differs between a remote/hybrid employee and someone who works fully in person. Lastly, the third study proposes a business model that organizations may adopt if they believe that employee happiness is not only essential for the well-being of their employees but also for their financial success. Ultimately, this dissertation investigates why happiness at work matters.

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