The word "happy" applied to workplace is much in vogue at that moment.It’s a slippery word and I am not always persuaded it conveys much meaning beyond sounding well meaning, well intentioned(the road to hell is paved with them!) and a little bit abstract.

In other situations the word can seem quite absurd. A fish and chip shop near me is called "The Happy Haddock".That’s the last damn thing it will be feeling at it dives into the boiling fat! Or supermarkets sell "Happy Eggs" – what’s that about lol?

But I digress. I decided to trawl around and see if I could put together a composite of tangible things that would,if in place, help to confirm if a "happy workforce" is in evidence. I don’t suggest that I agree with all the following profile but it’s a good starting point. And of course a list like the one below could work in reverse as well. It becomes a check list of behaviours for every employee to follow as well, and keeps everyone accountable – together. Doesn’t it?

1. Put engagement on your agenda and commit to helping your staff achieve it
2. Be real and genuinely care about your staff’s happiness, growth and contribution
3. Make it your job to help all your staff achieve their potential
4. Keep the atmosphere light, even when the topics are serious
5. Make your office known for the creation of laughter not anger
6. Give your staff a voice, involve them, listen to them, respect them
7. Encourage everyone to support everyone else, and the team
8. Receive bad news in the same way you receive good news
9. Be fair, objective and consistent in your decision making
10. Be truthful and transparent, explain more than you have to
11. Always correct value destroying (unethical) behaviour
12. Reward value creating (ethical) behaviour
13. Be clear on what’s acceptable and what’s not, and why
14. Ensure they work for the company values (not to make you or your boss happy)
15. Protect your team if your boss acts inconsistently with the company’s values
16. Engender pride in serving the customer
17. Don’t tolerate any form of gossiping, bitching, sulking or politicking
18. Give honest, constructive feedback whether its negative or positive
19. Trust your staff and expect them to reciprocate
20. Ensure everyone gets to speak at team meetings
21. Admit when you are wrong, and apologise when you break one of these rules
22. Leave your ego outside and make sure everyone else does too
23. Celebrate big wins together
24. Organise offsite events and teambuilding activities
25. Have fun, enjoy being at work and interacting with your team