Last year "Big Bad" Vladimir Guerrero was playing for the Los Angeles Angels. Guerrero, then 34, had his worst year in 2009. I won't bore you with the details, but his batting average was the lowest it had ever been. Granted, Vlad had some minor injury issues. But, even after coming back towards the end of the year he struggled.

Fast forward one year.

The Texas Rangers sign Guerrero before the start of the 2010 season. Now 35, well past the usual prime of a major league baseball player, Vlad is playing the best baseball of his career. One of the reasons for this drastic improvement:

HAPPINESS.

When asked about his recent success, Guerrero, all smiles, responded, "I am here playing for the Rangers. I'm happy here." Read more here

Happiness can play an important role in productivity. There is concrete evidence to support this (download the paper [PDF]). It's pretty simple. The happier employees are with their work, the more productive they will be.

So how can that happen? Below are just a few ideas.

Managers:

• Think about ways to improve morale in the workplace (Balcom has a monthly happy hour where everyone leaves at 4pm on a Friday and gets away from the office and enjoys each others company).
• Check in on your employees from time to time, and be sure and create an open exchange of information so the employee will tell you the truth.
• Celebrate successes. Give immediate feedback in person for jobs well-done, as well as recognizing people in front of their co-workers.

Employees:

• Find ways to improve your sense of happiness at work (Hang memorable pictures, make your surroundings comfortable).
• See the big picture.
• Be honest with your manager, and don't be afraid to speak up.
• Make sure what your doing is what you want to do.
• Rekindle the passion for your job by challenging yourself to push past your limitations.