Developing a Happy Organization Operating Model: Rayong Provincial Public Health Officea happy organization operating model: Rayong Provincial Public Health Office

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to study, develop, and evaluate a model for a happy workplace operation at the Rayong Provincial Public Health Office, which included comparing the outcomes related to the working environment and the nine dimensions of happiness based on the Happinometer criteria among personnel before and after the model’s implementation. To achieve this, a research and development (R&D) design was employed. The study population consisted of 157 public health personnel and the data was collected between July and December 2024.The research applied the participatory framework of Kemmis & McTaggart, structured into three phases: 1) problem and needs analysis, 2) development of organizational happiness strategies, and 3) outcome evaluation. Data collection tools included: 1) In-depth interviews for qualitative data, 2) the 9-dimension Happinometer for quantitative data, and 3) Guidelines for Fostering Happiness. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests.

               The findings were divided into three phases. Phase 1 revealed that public health personnel happiness was low (51.0%), with unclear policies, activities that did not meet actual needs, and lack of personnel engagement being commonly referenced by the participants. Phase 2 developed a framework for organizational happiness based on the “9 Dimensions of Happiness” from the Happinometer. The Phase outcomes 3 showed improvements in the Happy body and Happy work-Life dimensions, while Happy relax, Happy heart, Happy family, Happy society, and Happy money dimensions showed no significant changes. Additionally, the work environment remained unchanged before and after implementation. This study recommends integrating a happiness policy emphasizing Happy body and Happy work-Life and improving unchanged dimensions, such as Happy relax, Happy heart, Happy family, Happy society, and Happy money, into the strategic plan. Annual evaluations should be conducted to refine the approach according to the local contexts and needs.