Week of Happiness at Work

As this week is International Week of Happiness at Work, I thought it would be good to share with you the secrets to being happy.

I’m delighted that this dedicated week exists because it’s incredibly important to be happy at work and in life.

Businesses always think people are only interested in money but in reality, money is something that can make us unhappy. What’s more, money is unlikely to be the main reason people stay in a job.

However, here are some factors that do provide the secret to happiness at work.

1. A sense of accomplishment

When you feel you are doing something that makes a difference, such as completing a project or even a single piece of work that adds value to your company or clients, that can be incredible rewarding.

That sort of accomplishment is easier to achieve when you physically make things. Artists and builders will often see the results of something they have created however, you can also feel accomplished when you have made a difference in someone’s life or delivered a great service.

2. Recognition for a job well done

If you are regularly rewarded with verbal praise or physical rewards like money, gifts or time off, then it is highly likely you will feel a sense of pride and therefore happiness.

It’s extremely satisfying to be recognised and valued for your efforts and you are more likely to be happy than if you were somewhere where this doesn’t happen.

3. Teamwork

Many people stay because they love working with their colleagues, have formed friendships or simply have fun at work.

When people aren’t working well as a team, that can often be a reason some people leave. It’s hard to love a job when the team isn’t functioning as it should.

Overall, even if you don’t care about your boss or the clients, a good team is often a reason to stay in a job and keeps you happy and fulfilled at work. Although ideally you will of course have it all: a great boss, lovely customers, good suppliers and colleagues you get on with very well.

4. Work/life balance

People are happier at work if there is a balance between being there and at home. Business owners who focus on giving employees flexible working hours or time off to see their children in sports days, make such a big difference. It demonstrates value in home and family life and therefore employees feel valued too.

5. A sense of purpose

This is more likely to happen when you know your job really makes a difference. Roles within in sustainable energy companies, medical, business career coaching and frontline services are all jobs that unquestionably make a difference to others.

When you have a sense of purpose, your job is more than just something to pay the bills and you’re much more likely to be happy at work.

6. Values and culture

If your values are similar to those of the company, then you are more likely to be happy than when they are not. A lack of unity can certainly be the reason people leave a company.

If you are looking for jobs, it’s worth looking at a company’s values and culture before you apply.

Salary isn’t everything. If you are seeking long-term happiness at work, then you need to find a job somewhere, where your values are aligned with those of the company.

7. Continuous development

If you are able to continuously develop throughout your career, you feel a sense of progression, value and growth. Very few people want to do the same thing for four decades to simply receive a gold watch at the end of their time served. Human beings need progression. If you’re a business leader, encouraging change and development among your staff and investing in them, is something that really helps with their happiness at work. 

If we are happy at work, we are more likely to remain psychologically and physically healthy and therefore happy in many other aspects of our lives. We are likely to be better partners, parents and friends who look out for others. 

What’s more, happiness in the workplace can reduce sickness and absenteeism so if you are a business leader or manager, ensuring your staff are happy should be one of primary concerns.  

To learn more about the International Week of Happiness at Work, visit their website here. 

If you are unhappy in your job, dread Mondays and feel there is no way out, it might worth checking out my book, The Happy Worker, to help you become happier in the job you’re in or find a new career completely.