Discovering joy in your work can be hard, but there are some techniques you can use to make it happen. One way to achieve this is by identifying the aspects of the job that bring you the most pleasure and finding ways to do more of that. Another strategy is to focus on the benefits of your work, such as how it helps others or contributes to a greater cause. Additionally, cultivating positive relationships with coworkers and taking breaks throughout the day can help you feel more fulfilled at work. By implementing these tactics, you can turn your job into a source of happiness.
First of all, let’s define the word ‘happiness’ at work. Is happiness an emotion that arises naturally due to success in working on a project, or does happiness have a deeper meaning than just productivity? While you – and too – are thinking about it silently, Nic Marks, CEO of Happiness Works breaks down the definition in three emotional points:
- Enthusiasm is the vital force that drives individuals to reach their maximum potential for growth.
- Interest fuels individuals to concentrate on completing difficult tasks at work.
- Satisfaction is the feeling of accomplishment that ignites motivation to replicate success and radiates a sense of achievement.
Studies have found a strong correlation between a company’s success and the happiness of its employees. The impact of this relationship is significant, as research by the Journal of Applied Psychology shows that content employees tend to be more loyal, creative, and cooperative. Moreover, happy employees are less likely to take sick leave or experience chronic frustration. Additional research by the iOpener Institute demonstrates that happy employees are doubly productive and 65% more energetic than their unhappy counterparts. It appears that happiness is the key to unlocking success, as employees who work out of love rather than necessity are more likely to achieve their goals.
While it’s true that we cannot always control all of the factors that contribute to our happiness at work, whether as individuals or as part of a larger organization, we don’t have to rely solely on external policies for a positive work experience. According to the Danish concept of “Arbedjsglæde,” or finding happiness in work, there is a formula that can help lay the groundwork for a happier workplace.
- Feel comfortable doing the tasks assigned
- Feeling compatible with colleagues who work together
- Feel happy with the financial benefits obtained
- Feel the opportunity to improve your abilities
- Feeling respected and valued at work
Take a moment to reflect on whether you can honestly say that you meet all the criteria mentioned above for being a contented employee. If your answer is affirmative, well done! You are one of the fortunate few who can claim to be happy at work. But as time passes, circumstances may change – be it due to the policies of your workplace, your own interests, or the shift in work culture that has come about since the pandemic – and you may find yourself feeling disconnected from that sense of joy. In such a situation, consider these suggestions to reignite your happiness at work:
Take a short walk
If you typically commute to work on foot from the MRT station or bus stop, take advantage of this opportunity to sightsee and be fully present in the moment. Observe people or take in the expansive sky view to give your mind a break. This technique can also be employed when you feel overwhelmed working from home or any other location. Take a brief walk around your workspace to give your body a quick workout and energize yourself. As we all know, exercise can boost happiness levels, so incorporate it into your work routine with ease.
Eat healthy food
Opting for healthy food choices doesn’t just work during the pandemic’s wellness trend, as it can have a positive impact on your overall happiness. Eating nutritious foods can influence your blood sugar levels, ultimately affecting your mood. Rather than indulging in junk food and sugary drinks as a snack ritual while working, try bringing your own homemade meals or a favorite serving of cut fruit.
Rekindle your joy at work
Feel more connected and happy while working by bringing personal items to your desk that you enjoy, such as a favorite coffee mug or postcards from your travels. Glancing at them during breaks from your screen can bring a smile to your face and remind you of beautiful memories.
Clean up your workspace
If you’ve been putting off tidying up your workspace since the pandemic began, now is the time to tackle it. A clean desk not only makes starting the week on Monday more enjoyable, but it also helps you work in a calm, controlled manner.
Dress for success
Project confidence and emulate the executives you admire by dressing the part, whether you’re working in the office or from home. Wear your favorite blazer or try out a new pixie haircut you’ve been considering for your dream job.
Forgive the situation
It means? Well , maybe there are a few emotional wounds that arise from the office, work, or work environment, and usually that’s inevitable. But try to admit your upset feelings, but then let it go. Forgive everything that bothers you, whether it’s an offensive word that only entered your ears in passing~ or a failure in an element while working on a project. Forgiveness will make you happier in general.
Request a 1-on-1 session with a superior
In fact, one of the factors that influences happiness at work is being appreciated by the company. So, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from your superiors to gain learning and appreciation for your work performance. By knowing this, who knows, you will be more aware of work motivation – or even better – understand the purpose and meaning of your role in this job.
Consistently complete your to-do list
In order to prevent being overwhelmed at work, which can ultimately make you stressed, try to make a simple to-do list, and stick to it. Even try to write it down in detail, for example you need to hold a video shoot project , then explain small but crucial tasks such as coordinating the talent and crew, until you will see that slowly the boxes you have to work on start to be ticked off one by one. Look at that relieved smile you have, now.
Greet each other every morning
Instead of coming to work with a sullen face behind that mask, try encouraging yourself to greet your coworkers every morning. No need for long pleasantries, just spreading and receiving friendly greetings from other people will give you positive energy that is channeled to each other. Psstt , even advice , don’t hesitate to praise your colleagues who have just successfully executed a task well! Ripples of positive energy are contagious, and believes that making other people smile thanks to your friendliness can make your heart content .
Understand the purpose of the profession
More than knowing the description of the job you are carrying out, understand (or find out) the purpose of your role in the company’s vision and mission, even more than that, try to examine it from a wider scope: How does your profession function in society? For example, if you are a data analyst , of course your role is useful in providing solutions to solve business problems, but the indirect impact you contribute to society is the policies and decisions that the company takes thanks to the interpretation of your data to meet the needs and convenience of the public. Sometimes your role is much bigger than a job beyond the desk.
Be proud
Do you know the purpose of your professional existence? Nice, now have a pride in what you do . By having a sense of pride in the work you do, you will experience an increase in your mood and productivity. Just imagine, you will understand your role more and ‘care’ for this profession with extra attention. Your work will improve, so it does your heart’s content.
Sleep soundly
Yup, Is not playing around with this tip. There have been many studies that reveal that sleep and mood are interconnected, so if you skip good quality sleep, well … you will easily feel disturbed by trivial things, and in the end stressed, ugh. Please love yourself more . Commit to a quality sleep routine, as simple as stopping talking about work after nine in the evening. Get some rest, and rise in the morning with healthy emotional maturity.
