Workplace Happiness: Is It Possible?
A lot of people think it's normal to hate their job. And for the most part, it is. According to a 2022 survey, only 49% of global workers are satisfied with their current work situation.
However, this doesn't have to be the case. In addition to company initiatives to foster happiness in the workplace, there are several things you can do to increase your happiness at work and make the workplace a more enjoyable place to be.
In this article, we'll explore some of these methods and discuss how they can improve not only your happiness but also your productivity at work.
This is a continuation of our Happiness At Work series which includes our previous posts on Why Keeping Employees Happy Is Important , What To Do When You Can't Find Happiness At Work and How To Create Happiness In The Workplace.
Why Workplace Happiness Matters
There’s a lot of talk these days about the importance of workplace happiness. And for good reason, with so many workers feeling overworked and stressed out. But what exactly is workplace happiness, and why does it matter?
Workplace happiness is the feeling of satisfaction we get from our work. It’s about more than just having a job that pays the bills. We need to feel like our work matters, that we’re contributing to something larger than ourselves. And we need to feel like we’re doing something we enjoy.
Happiness in the workplace shouldn't just be a slam-dunk choice for employees, it should also be a top priority for employers. Happy employees consistently report feeling more engaged, creative, and productive than unhappy employees. They're also easier to retain, which can save companies a lot of money in the long run.
How To Achieve Workplace Happiness
With a bit more than half (51%) of all US workers believing their profession is an important part of their identity, it’s clear that workplace happiness is vital to the American workforce. But how can you achieve it in your career?
We list a few key ways below:
Find A Job That Fits Your Personality
The first step to workplace happiness is finding a job that fits your personality. If you’re an introvert, for example, you might not be happy in a customer-facing role. Or if you like working independently, you might not enjoy working on a team. It’s important to find a role that meshes well with your natural tendencies to make finding happiness at the workplace that much easier.
Make Friends At Work
Another way to increase your happiness at work is to make friends with your co-workers. Multiple surveys have found that people who have friends at work are more likely to be engaged and productive.
Getting to know the people you work with on a deeper level not only makes the workday more enjoyable but also makes you feel more connected to your company and its goals. And that's not all! Here are just some of the benefits you can expect from making friends at work, according to a Gallup survey:
You'll have someone to vent to when things get tough
You'll feel more supported and motivated
You'll be more likely to stick around (and not job search)
You'll have someone to grab lunch with, so you're never lonely
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Set Goals and Challenge Yourself
It's normal to feel like you're in a rut at work. With roughly 85% of global workers reporting feeling disengaged at their job, it’s no wonder so many people feel this way. But one of the best ways to combat this feeling is to set goals and challenge yourself.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your boss or co-workers when you’re feeling stuck. And take on new assignments or projects that will push you out of your comfort zone. This will help keep things interesting and prevent you from feeling stagnant in your role.
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Take Time For Yourself
While it’s important to be engaged and active at work, it's also important to take some time for yourself. Make sure to set aside time each day to do something you enjoy, whether that’s taking a walk, reading a book, or spending time with family and friends.
And if you can, take some vacation days! Use them to recharge and come back feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.
PRO TIP: Download our free Developing An Authentic Holistic Well-Being Routine For Career Professionals Workbook.
Attract Positivity
Surrounding yourself with positive people and energy is a great way to increase your happiness. If you’re constantly around negative people, it will be difficult to stay positive yourself. So try to spend time with people who make you feel good and avoid those who bring you down.
At the same time, however, you can't expect other people to make you happy. Ultimately, happiness is something you need to create for yourself. A positive attitude is infectious, so make sure you're being mindful of how you carry yourself each day to attract more positivity into your life.
Smile and Be Grateful
This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: Smile! A genuine smile can make you feel happier and more relaxed. It also makes you more approachable to others, which can help you make friends more easily.
And don’t forget to express gratitude for the good things in your life. Being grateful makes you happier and more positive, and it also helps you focus on the positives rather than the negatives.
While achieving workplace happiness may take a bit of effort, it’s definitely worth it---from both employers and employees alike. If you feel as though your unhappiness at work is impacting other areas of your life, it might be time to take a step back and evaluate what’s causing that unhappiness with a professional career coach.
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Meet The Writer!
Hi! I’m Regi Publico and I’m a full-time writer who is also an artist for fun. I take pride in my towering collection of books and love reading about anything under the sun. I’m passionate about sharing knowledge through every article I write. If this resonates with you, let’s connect! You can email me at regi.content2021@gmail.com to work with me.
