Women’s Stress at Work: How  Zappos Delivers Happiness 

A recent report revealed that women who experience high levels of stress in the workplace have an increased risk of heart attack. Click here to read the about the findings which were presented at the American Heart Association meeting on 11-15-10: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/health/research/23hazards.html.

The report refers mainly to employee stress. I know from experience that, even if you are self-employed, stress management is vital to optimal health and wellbeing.

Last year I had the privilege of meeting the outrageously successful Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, (best known for delivering shoes overnight after you place an online order) after his talk to an audience of business men and women. I was surprised and delighted that his message to the audience was: In order to build a successful business, pay as much attention to creating happiness as to the bottom line! Tony has now written a book, “Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profit, Passion and Purpose”.  

Zappos CEO, Tony Hsieh and Connie promote joy!

If you’ve ever called Zappos,  you likely experienced the happiness factor firsthand from the cheerfully helpful customer service professionals. You might consider calling them just to get  shot of joy on a difficult day! Good therapy!

I was so inspired by Tony’s talk that, in October, 2009, I arranged to have a tour of Zappos in Henderson, Nevada. I’ll never forget it. It was full of over-the-top fun, creativity, real connection…a workplace that looks like no other… rows of cubicles looking more jungles and conference rooms decorated like fairy tale sets. Employees stopped their work to greet the tour with smiles, music and antics.   

 I think you’ll agree that Zappos Core values, listed below, are ones we can apply to work and life. Imagine if all workplaces, families and people followed these values.

 Zappos 10 Core Values :

1. Deliver WOW Through Service.
2. Embrace and Drive Change.
3. Create Fun and a Little Weirdness.
4. Be Adventurous, Creative and Open Minded.
5. Pursue Growth and Learning.
6. Build Open and Honest Relationships with Communication.
7. Build a Positive Team and Family Spirit.
8. Do More with Less.
9. Be Passionate and Determined.
10. Be Humble.

After my tour of Zappos I interviewed three fabulous women 50+ who spoke enthusiastically about their experiences working there. Here’s a special message to you from them.

Reduce stress now! Your health depends upon it!

Click here to contact Connie for a phone consultation: simple tips that work!