How to be happy at work

Your happiness is worth more than your salary. Although money talks, your level of engagement and state of mind at work have a huge impact on your life.

A 2018 survey found that less than 15% of employees were engaged at work. Employers and coworkers aren’t the only ones affected by your resentment of the office. In The Handbook of Work and Health Psychology, author Cary Cooper discusses the correlation between job dissatisfaction and being isolated.

Unhappiness at work will not only put a dent in your wallet and social life, it could ultimately cost you your life. Researchers at the University of Helsinki found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in those who were stressed at work.

• Do what you enjoy. Doing what you enjoy for a living is at the foundation of being happy at work. If you aren’t interested in what you do to bring home the bacon, that boredom will ultimately leave you miserable. How on earth are you supposed to be happy at work if you don’t find some level of enjoyment or intrigue in your day-to-day activities? Ask yourself a few questions, such as:
  • Do I enjoy working with people?
  • Do I enjoy completing admin tasks?
  • Do I need flexible hours?
  • Is my current commute acceptable to me?

This will help you to determine the type of job that is suited to you. You may find that you need to make some changes in order to be happy.

• Establish meaningful relationships within the workplace. Socialising with your coworkers outside of the office is a great way to establish meaningful connections. Knowing that you’ve got a friend at your job can leave you motivated and actually excited to go to work, and feel more connected to your workplace.
• Get engaged. Engagement isn’t necessarily defined by what you do, but how you complete your job. Finding your flow can make even the most mundane of tasks, such as filing paperwork, seem rewarding. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing. Treat yourself to a cup of coffee and a treat. Whatever it takes, add value to your work by changing how you view and fulfill assignments.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up. If a certain person or situation is bothering you at work, don’t hesitate to open your mouth and politely say something about it. Keeping quiet will never result in change, and repressing the issue will only cause it to resurface as passive aggression and dread throughout your workday.
• Leave your personal problems at the door. Although it may be difficult, try to separate your work with whatever personal woes may be weighing you down. Taking your outside stressors out on your job will only amplify the issue, causing you to resent your place of work for reasons completely unrelated to the field or the environment.

Happiness is the foundation for a healthy and productive employee. Doing what you love, establishing meaningful connections, and getting engaged are cornerstones of job satisfaction.

Learn more about the importance of being happy at work at our upcoming Corporate Health and Wellbeing events here.