“Niceness” in the workplace can be an undervalued quality, however a recent study from Monarch has revealed that employing “nice” staff makes for both a happier and more productive workforce. The survey of 2,000 working adults in the UK^[1] found that nice people are twice as happy at work when compared to those who describe themselves as being “rarely” or “never” nice.

The survey was carried out as a follow up to Monarch’s previous research led by Jonathan Freeman, Professor of Psychology at Goldsmith’s University’s i2 Media Research Lab^[2]. The study saw 100 participants complete a series of psychological research measures before taking part in two lab-based behavioural demonstrations, to find that nice people are more likely to be happier, healthier and earn more than others.

Benefits to workers
The latest survey results look a little deeper into how being nice translates in the workplace showing that being nice encourages others to be nice back to you. “Nice” people experience 15 kind acts per day whereas rarely/never nice people only experience 6 on average per day. Nice people say that their colleagues are more willing to help them if they are nice to them (73 percent) however only 1 in 10 “rarely/never nice” people would agree.

Benefits to managers and business owners
It is not only individuals who benefit from being “nice”, nice staff rate themselves as being twice as productive as those who are not, showing that it pays for businesses to hire nice employees. In fact, when hiring, 93 percent of business owners look for this quality in candidates alongside being qualified. If nice employees are happier this also indicates a lower staff turnover which is a huge benefit to businesses.

It can also be good for your brand; nice people work for nice companies. The nicest people in the survey rated their company as 7/10 (for niceness) where as those who are rarely/never nice only rated their company a 4/10. How a business is perceived by staff and customers can have a huge impact on their clients, customers and ultimately, profits. Over 1 in 3 find that clients and customers spend more money if they are nice to them.

Rob Foulkes, Head of Digital & Marketing at Monarch said, “Our original study showed that “nice people” have higher levels of emotional intelligence, helping them to deal with stressful situations that arise. This can be a really useful skill for employees and managers, and our survey results prove that niceness is an important quality that shouldn’t be overlooked or undervalued in the workplace.”