Scots Can Shake Off Dour Image with Fun Workplaces,
says Company Boss - March 08

Office interior design boss Andy Stewart is on a mission to put more fun into Scottish workplaces.

He reckons companies considering updating or refurbishing their premises should put more emphasis on injecting a slice of humour into the office environment.

Andy, managing director of asplanned, spoke out after Scots were portrayed as “dour” and a people who prefer being miserable than happy, according to an international expert on happiness.

A recent Newsweek article highlighted a visit to Scotland by University of Illinois psychologist Ed Diener, who has studied happiness for a quarter of a century.

Dr Diener spoke to politicians and business leaders about the value of augmenting traditional measures of a country's wealth with a national index of happiness. This index would measure policies known to increase people's sense of well-being, such as democratic freedoms, access to healthcare and the rule of law.

According to Dr Diener we Scots appreciated all these things but not because they make us happier. The happiness expert said: “They (the Scots) said too much happiness might not be such a good thing. They like being dour, and didn't appreciate being told they should be happier.”

But upbeat asplanned boss Andy said Scottish firms could have the last laugh and prove the learned professor wrong by giving more thought on how to the equip their offices and workplaces.

Andy said: “Perhaps Professor Diener just visited the Parliament on an off day because the Scots are a friendly, happy people who are always up for a laugh.

“However, employers could be doing so much more to make people happy at their work. Work is the place we spend most of our waking hours, so why shouldn’t we inject a bit more fun into the office, call centre or reception area?

“Every study you care to look at will tell you that a happy workforce is more productive, loyal and responsive so it’s good business sense to make the workplace as fun and happy as possible.

“We would encourage all clients to go a step further than simply considering the functional requirements when fitting out their premises. We would be delighted, in fact ecstatic, to provide advice on how employers can brighten up their working environment, to ensure their staff are happy, contented and will look forward to coming into work.”

BBC News

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