West Herford, director of Brand Strategy at Rawle Murdy

Published Oct. 18, 2011

People generally equate “productivity” with “producing” stuff.

So, working 60 hours per week, checking email long into the night and not taking vacation time are all “productive” actions, right?

Come on.

That’s nonsense given the importance of creativity and innovation in today’s economy. Oh, and the fact that you need happiness and inspiration to generate that creativity and innovation. So what’s the best way to nurture an environment where creativity and innovation flourish, you ask?

I have the magic formula.

 

When I lived in Boston, this scene could very well have been a “springtime” day in April. A little snow on the ground during this time of year made me SO appreciate a warm Summer Friday ... a tradition that seemingly is only enjoyed in New England.

For six years, I’ve tried unsuccessfully to get our agency to embrace Summer Fridays. Again and again, the response has been, “But we live in a tropical climate. There's no need for Summer Fridays.” And with a forecast like this for the next couple of days, it’s hard to combat that point, right?

Nonetheless, I've been wondering a lot lately -- Why doesn't everyone, everywhere have Summer Fridays?

 

Ever been to Spain? What a lifestyle! Arrive at work around 10 a.m., work ’til 2ish, eat a hearty lunch and ... zzzzzzzzzzzzz. Awake recharged, work until 8 or 9 p.m., meet friends for dinner at 11 p.m. or midnight, maybe go dancing and then (finally!) fall into a food-and-wine-induced coma.

People in Spain are happy ... but they're also unemployed (around 20% at last count). So that argument always gets crushed. Contrast things with the French, though, and maybe my argument gains a little steam.
I loved living in France. Five weeks of vacation annually, almost the entire month of May is a national holiday, when le beaujolais nouveau est arrive it’s literally a national holiday ... really good living. And aside from the occasional snooty Parisian or hungry waif model, the French, as a nation, are happy people. Oh, and their unemployment rate is about what it is here in the U.S.

As part of my quest for a better argument for more time off, I came across a really fascinating TED presentation by an Englishman named Nic Marks (read his bio here). In his speech, he points out that “progress measures” measure everything EXCEPT what makes life worthwhile to individuals. He references a global survey uncovering that happiness, good health and love are more desirable to average individuals than just wealth alone.

He goes on to discuss the Happy Planet Index that measures how successful nations are at creating happy lives for its citizens. The happiest nation of all? Bienvenidos a …

Granted, this index is rooted in sustainability and eco-conscious efficiency. But, the notion of promoting and ensuring happiness is a heck of an idea.

Thomas Hobbes once wrote, “Life is nasty, brutish and short.” Marks wrapped up his presentation with five suggestions to be happier in life. With or without Summer Fridays. These are great thought starters for spurring more creativity and innovation in the workplace:

 

1. Connect: Social relationships are the cornerstones of life.

2. Be active: It’s the fastest way to get out of a bad mood.

3. Take notice: Stop and smell the flowers.

4. Keep learning: Stay curious throughout your entire life.

5. Give: Be generous…it comes back around.

Watch Marks' entire talk. It's time well spent.

West Herford leads brand strategy at Rawle Murdy. He’s an average golfer and a very proud Tar Heel, having received his B.A. and MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. Email him at wherford@rawlemurdy.com.