Happiness in the workplace

There’s more to finding contentment than chocolate chip cookies (yep, really). To mark International Day of Happiness, here’s how to boost your levels of happiness in the workplace.

With so much uncertainty surrounding us at the moment, it’s easy to feel down, anxious or even frightened. So, with International Day of Happiness on Friday 20 March, here are a few (more important than ever) suggestions from us on how to nurture happiness in the workplace.

A sunny start

It’s been scientifically proven that if you start out in a good mood, you’re more likely to be productive and have positive interactions as your day goes on.

Eating a decent breakfast or going for a brisk walk may be exactly what you need to get you in the right frame of mind. Just 15 minutes of exercise can combat weariness and reset your mental state and energy levels. So, even if you work from home or spend a lot of time on the road, make sure you find a short window simply for physical activity. This sort of stimulation will also provide you with a level of fulfilment that will instantly improve your working day.

The importance of inclusivity

According to research conducted by the Center for Talent Innovation, when people feel a sense of belonging in their place of work, they are 3.5 times more likely to contribute to their fullest potential.

Feeling involved and important allows individuals to become more engaged and enthused, which is a win-win for both employer and employee, as productivity is inevitably increased.

So, whether you assemble your team for a group lunch, or pass on a bit of positive feedback to a colleague who’s been working extra hard recently, these acts will all go a long way to boosting everyone’s happiness in the workplace.

Your personal purpose

It’s easy to blame someone else if you’re having a bad day or are unhappy with your current situation. Taking ownership of your professional and personal development means you’ll feel more in control and almost certainly create more opportunities for yourself.

The balance careers suggests that developing a tailored career plan for yourself is a good way to kick-start a higher degree of satisfaction in your job role. Other top tips include staying informed about business developments (as this will increase your confidence and level of awareness), frequently asking for feedback, and sticking to a schedule that doesn’t overload you and cause stress.

Channelling culture

Educated and enlightened businesses tend to come out on top when it comes to happiness in the workplace, placing values as another area of significance.

For example, technology-based solutions provider Karmarama understands that working relationships will flourish under the guidance of clear and consistent moral values.

This approach could well be why the business ranked in The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2020 list (well, that and possibly also the fact they provide employees with free fruit and soft drinks).

Harnessing happiness in the workplace

It seems apparent that when it comes to happiness in the workplace, there’s no fixed formula. Why? Because everyone’s different. But paradoxically, that’s actually also the key to this whole thing. Understanding what’s important to each individual, and using this knowledge to make any improvements you can, will instil positive change in both attitude and ambience.

It isn’t completely up to management, though. A positive mindset, acceptance, willingness to adjust, and being more thoughtful and grateful in general are all factors that can make a difference to your overall happiness in the workplace.

As an end note, I’ll leave you with a few quotes that are particularly relevant in making the point that happiness, though perfectly attainable, isn’t easily defined. Although, to go back to the beginning, cookies definitely help…

Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.

Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. It means that you have decided to look beyond the imperfections.

Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them.

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.