Happiness is the key to anything. Albert Schweitzer said it is the key to success. What does it mean to be happy? What is the meaning of happiness? Being happy is being blessed; it is having joy in your heart. Attaining happiness may seem to be easy for few, but at work, it is tough to achieve happiness. According to Forbes, most Americans were unhappy at work. And according to Gallup’s World Poll on June 2017, only 15% worldwide are engaged employees and many people hate their job especially their boss. Susan Adams, a Senior Editor of Forbes, mentioned in her article Unhappy Employees Outnumber Happy Ones By Two To One Worldwide that work is more often a source of frustration than one of fulfillment for nearly 90% of the world’s workers.
Is it necessary to be happy at work by the way? Why is it vital to be happy at work? When you are happy, you are more productive. The author of The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Anchor has found that the brain works much better when a person is feeling positive. Happiness can grow your success, as it is the main key to success. Happiness reduces stress as well. When you are happy at work, then you have a balanced and healthy life.
Whether you love your job or not, anyone is bound to have good times, bad times, or stress at work. Having a bad day at work that causes anything is normal and common to all employees. Some drag their feet in going to work because they are no longer happy but they have to work. I experienced that many times from my previous jobs. However, that does not mean that your entire life at work will be stressful and miserable. There are several ways to achieve and maintain happiness at work, here are some of them.
1. Do What You Love
Doing work you enjoy can make it easier to feel happy at work. A job you love can still be stressful, but your interest can help you through difficult days. Work you dislike may leave you bored or tired, even if it pays well. Aristotle said, “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work”. When possible, look for a role that interests you. Not everyone has that choice. If you cannot change jobs, look for tasks you enjoy in your current role. Over time, these can help you find more satisfaction in your work.
2. Leave Your Personal Problems at Home
Personal problems can affect your focus and productivity at work. Try to set them aside during the workday so you can give your tasks your attention. Keeping some space between work and personal concerns can help you enjoy your job and work more effectively.
3. Choose to Be Happy
You are responsible for your day and so you are responsible for what you will feel. No matter the circumstances is, choose to be happy. As James 1:2 said, “Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds.” Whatever the situation is, shake it off, get over it, and be happy. Being happy is a decision that can be done by you alone. Aristotle also said, “Happiness depends upon ourselves”. It may be difficult but deciding to be happy is a choice that will benefit you the most, so chill and be happy!
4. Think Positive and Avoid Negativity
Try to stay positive when work becomes difficult. Focus on how to solve a problem rather than dwelling on it. If your boss gives you negative feedback, use it to improve. Avoid taking it personally. You can also protect your outlook by staying out of gossip and needless conflict. Constant complaints can affect your mood, so choose constructive conversations where possible.
5. Make Good Friends
A Gallup Poll found a link between work friendships and recognition. Employees with a best friend at work were 43% more likely to report praise or recognition in the past seven days. They also reported more support for their development and progress. They were more likely to feel their opinions counted and to use their strengths each day. In the 2014 Relationships @Work study done by LinkedIn, 46% of professionals worldwide said work friends were important to their overall happiness.
Having fun with your coworkers is a trait of a happy and enjoying work experience. Learn to mingle and get to know your coworkers. Join them on a coffee break at work or during lunchtime and enjoy each moment with them. These people will be your source of happiness, they will also be your support system and comfort at work. Start sharing and caring and gain great friends that you’ll never know that you will keep for life. And what is more precious is, you are also their source of joy, support, and comfort.
6. Be Professional and Keep Your Commitments
Professionalism matters, even on a bad day. Do not take a poor mood out on coworkers or let complaints stop you from doing your work. Complete agreed tasks on time. Only make commitments you can keep. Missed promises can create conflict and stress for you and your team.
7. Be Appreciative and Learn to Be Grateful
Gratitude is one of the most important fundamentals of joy or happiness. Gratitude gives you a better perspective on life. Ungrateful people are the most miserable ones because these are people who always complain, murmur, swear, or cuss. The secret of happiness is having a grateful heart. Being grateful is an indication of content and a blessed life. If you receive less than what you expect, don’t complain but be grateful. When things do not go your way, learn to let go, move on, and be grateful. As they always say, everything happens for a reason. Have faith that everything will be ok and God is in control of everything even in that area of your life. Treat each day and each moment a blessing and you will be the happiest person on earth.
8. Decorate Your Workstation and Be Organized
If you spend 8 hours a day at the office, 5 to 6 days a week, your desk can affect your mood. Add things that inspire you, such as family photos, favorite colors, or indoor plants. Keep the space organized. A welcoming workstation can lift your mood and help you enjoy your day.
9. Reward Yourself
Reward yourself once in a while and indulge yourself with something that will make you happy. We all deserve a good break, a good treat, and good things from ourselves after an accomplished or completed work or project. Fine time to treat yourself dinner or lunch, buy something you love, it may be a bag, purse, dress, or anything that will remind you of the fruit of your labor and hard work. Having this remembrance will push you to do better, work harder, and enjoy work.
10. Engage and Get Involved in Your Company Events and Fun Activities
Enjoying and having fun at work is another key to happiness. Do not hold back from joining your company events and fun activities. Team building, company outing, company celebrations are a few of the events held by every company to boost their employees’ morale and a chance to unwind and enjoy. Engage and get involved with games, contests, and other activities and do not deprive yourself of a chance to be relaxed and happy.
These ideas may help you feel happier at work, but not every tip works for everyone. Problems come and go. Being grateful in good times and bad can help you find joy, even when it is difficult. As Romans 5 said, “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope”.
Being happy will still depend on you. Your mood should not depend on the situation or circumstance; your mood will depend on how you will react in every situation or circumstance. It is a matter of choice and how you are determined to be happy. Only you can change and uplift your mood, not anyone and anything around you. It will still depend on your decision; on your choice whether you choose to be affected or to be happy.
If you still cannot find happiness at work, take time to reflect. Consider the role, your coworkers, your manager, and the company. The problem may be the workplace relationships rather than the work itself. It may be time to look for a role you enjoy more. Look for a company that values its staff and a leader who helps you grow.
If you have tried everything and still feel unhappy at work, it is okay to rest. Then consider looking for a job that offers a fresh start. Taking a break does not mean giving up. It can be a step toward your goals and a happier, more balanced working life.
If you have other tips and ways to be happy at work, feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Written by: Abegail Galang