The Joy Gap: How Do You Know If You Have One?

Have you ever felt like the concept of “joy” is just too fluffy? 

Not the cuddly, plush kind of fluffy—but the intangible, pie-in-the-sky kind of fluffy. If so, you're not alone. Yet, I argue that joy is anything but fluffy; it’s the future. 

Joy is so much more than happiness, and "joy at work" is more than simply finding a job that works. Happiness, much like good weather, comes and goes based on what’s happening around us. Joy, on the other hand, is about feeling fulfilled and true to yourself, no matter what’s going on externally. It’s a deeper level of peace, contentment, purpose, and satisfaction with your life direction.

Definition of Joy: According to Merriam-Webster, joy is "the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires."

The problem is that work has become an obligation for so many, and we expect it to be absent of joy. We find ways to tolerate it and even enjoy some aspects, but the overall aura around it is one of duty.

This works for some. But how do you know when you have a distinct Joy Gap—one that’s worth some focused attention and action?

Signs of a Joy Gap

At Work:

• It’s Nothing More Than an Obligation: You never look forward to it.
• It Follows You Home: You’re rarely not thinking about it, and this bothers you.
• Small Comments Send You Spiraling: You feel okay about the people you work with, but one small critical comment or disagreement sends you into a ruminating tailspin.

At Home:

• Going Through the Motions: You move from work to home duties without a sense of purpose or joy.
• Lost Sense of Self: You have no idea what you like to do and spend all your time thinking about work or “doing” for other family members.
• Uncomfortable Stillness: Being still feels incredibly uncomfortable and elicits guilt unless you’re scrolling social media or zoning out on a TV show.

Experiencing even a couple of these items could indicate an ever-growing Joy Gap. And the good news is that you can both stop it and take some steps to close it.

Why Addressing the Joy Gap Matters

Addressing the Joy Gap is crucial not only for individual well-being but also for organizational health. Recent statistics highlight a growing concern over the lack of joy and purpose in our jobs. According to a 2023 Gallup report, only 32% of employees feel engaged at work, leaving a vast majority feeling disconnected and unfulfilled​​. This disengagement is costly; Gallup estimates that employee disengagement costs the global economy $8.8 trillion annually due to lost productivity​ (Highrise Leadership)​. On the flip side, feeling purposeful at work significantly boosts overall joy. A 2022 Harvard Business Review article noted that employees who find meaning in their work are three times more likely to stay with their organizations and report 1.4 times higher job satisfaction​ (Gallup.com)​​ (Highrise Leadership)​. This shows that fostering a sense of purpose can not only enhance personal joy but also improve retention and productivity, creating a win-win scenario for both employees and employers

What's Next?

So, what do you do if you sense a Joy Gap? Often, the idea of digging out of dissatisfaction and joylessness can seem overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

First, keep it simple. Then, take ONE next step.

Ask yourself: What’s the one thing that would bring some level of relief to your current situation? How can you take one small step toward that in the next week? Who might you share this with to hold you accountable?

Here are 5 simple steps to help you close your joy gap:

1. Identify Your Joy Triggers: Reflect on activities or moments when you felt most alive and fulfilled.
2. Set Small, Achievable Goals: Focus on one small change at a time. This could be setting boundaries at work, dedicating time for a hobby, or scheduling regular self-care.
3. Build a Support Network: Share your goals with a trusted friend, family member, or coach who can provide support and accountability.
4. Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledging what you’re grateful for can shift your mindset and highlight areas of joy you might have overlooked.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Sometimes, the guidance of a coach can provide the necessary tools and accountability to navigate through your Joy Gap.

Closing the Joy Gap is not about making drastic changes overnight. It’s about recognizing the gap, understanding its impact on your life, and taking intentional steps toward a more joyful and fulfilling existence. Remember, joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a sustainable state of being that enriches every aspect of your life. Take that first step today, and move closer to the joy you deserve.

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About Lindsay Harris and Leader Haven

A Certified Working Genius Facilitator and Positive Intelligence Coach(TM), Lindsay established Leader Haven to help leaders generate more joy at work. An acclaimed speaker and coach, Lindsay is on a mission to build The Joy Generation—a generation of all ages that seeks to generate joy at work through inner work, trust building, renewed collaboration, and healthy empowerment.