In today's fast-paced world, job satisfaction and happiness are more important than ever, especially for expats and executives living and working in Luxembourg. Amidst the hustle, finding meaningful work can be challenging. But what if the secret to greater job happiness lies in how we perceive our roles?
Recent research suggests that employees who see their jobs as providing experiences, rather than just objects, report significantly higher levels of job-related happiness. Meaning you can boost your happiness at work by providing an experience. Let's dive into this fascinating study and explore how you can transform your work to enhance your well-being.

The Experience vs. Object Paradigm
The research article "A new look at employee happiness: How employees’ perceptions of a job as offering experiences versus objects to customers influence job-related happiness" sheds light on an intriguing aspect of job satisfaction. It reveals that employees who view their roles as offering experiences, such as events or memorable journeys, feel more fulfilled compared to those who see their jobs as merely providing physical objects.
Why Experiences Matter
Personal Connection: When employees feel personally involved with the services or experiences they provide, their work becomes more engaging and enjoyable.
Positive Impact: Seeing the direct positive impact of their work on customers' lives boosts employees' sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Job Meaningfulness: Jobs perceived as delivering experiences tend to be viewed as more meaningful, contributing to overall happiness and well-being.
Transforming Your Work: From Tasks to Experiences
Shifting your perspective from task-oriented to experience-delivering can be a game-changer. Here are some practical steps to make this transition:
See the Bigger Picture: Understand how your role fits into the larger customer journey. Focus on the ultimate goal of creating memorable experiences rather than just completing tasks.
Personalize Interactions: Make your interactions with clients and colleagues more personal and meaningful. Small gestures can transform routine transactions into memorable moments.
Add Creativity: Infuse creativity into your daily tasks. Whether it's through innovative problem-solving or adding unique touches to your work, creativity can make your job more enjoyable and impactful.
Value and Joy in Every Step: Aim to create value and joy in every aspect of your work. This mindset shift can turn even mundane tasks into opportunities for creating positive experiences.
Real-World Applications
Imagine a Business Analyst working at a bank in Luxembourg. Rather than just analyzing data and creating reports, their main goal is to enhance customer experiences through their analysis. By customizing data visualizations, predicting customer requirements, staying ahead of economic trends, and offering practical recommendations, the Business Analyst turns mundane duties into valuable interactions for both the bank and its customers. This strategy not only boosts customer contentment but also increases job satisfaction for the analyst.
Critical Considerations
While the idea of transforming work from task-oriented to experience-delivering is appealing, several critical points should be considered:
Cultural Implications: Different cultures value experiences and material goods differently. Understanding and respecting these cultural nuances is essential when applying this approach in a diverse workplace like Luxembourg.
Internal Conflicts: The team you are working on has a significant impact on your happiness. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure a supportive and cohesive work environment.
Organizational Structure: The existing hierarchy and rigid processes may need to be adjusted to support a more experience-oriented approach. This could involve redefining roles, responsibilities, and even performance evaluations to align with the new focus.
Unique Personalities and Propositions: Not all employees might be naturally inclined to focus on delivering experiences. Tailoring strategies to fit individual personalities and strengths is crucial for the success of this transition. Recognizing and leveraging unique talents can enhance overall job satisfaction.
Impact of Personal Problems: Employees' personal issues can affect their ability to deliver exceptional experiences. Providing support and resources to help employees manage personal challenges is essential for maintaining high levels of job-related happiness.
Conclusion
As expats and executives navigating the dynamic landscape of Luxembourg, it's crucial to find ways to enhance your job satisfaction and happiness. By shifting your perspective from delivering objects to creating experiences, you can infuse your work with greater meaning and joy. Remember, it's not just about completing tasks; it's about making a positive impact and creating memorable moments. Embrace this approach, and watch your work happiness soar!
Are you ready to transform your job and boost your happiness?
Consider coaching to help you navigate this journey and make meaningful changes in your work life. A life coach can provide personalized strategies and support to shift your focus from tasks to experiences, helping you enhance job satisfaction and overall happiness. Start today by seeing your work through the lens of experiences.
By focusing on delivering experiences rather than just objects, you can unlock new levels of job satisfaction and happiness. Embrace the change, consider coaching for personalized guidance, and make your work life in Luxembourg truly rewarding.
Source: Wilson Bastos, Sigal G. Barsade, "A new look at employee happiness: How employees’ perceptions of a job as offering experiences versus objects to customers influence job-related happiness", Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Volume 161, 2020, Pages 176-187, ISSN 0749-5978, Link: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2020.06.003
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