Most people find at least one thing they like about their job, but after a long period of extreme stress, you may dread going to work or punch the snooze bar a couple of times more in the morning.
As we spend most of our time at work, it’s crucial to prioritize workplace happiness and wellness. When you are happy at work, you are more productive, better focused, and likely to go above and beyond. You are also more pleasant to be around, resilient, creative, and make for a better leader and colleague. These are just some advantages you have when you are happy at work!
It’s no surprise that income and enjoying your daily tasks contribute to workplace happiness. However, there are proactive ways to take happiness into your own hands.
Here are some ways that you can begin to feel happier at work:
1. Maintain a work/life balance
All work and no play is not good for the soul— Felix Sabates.
Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is essential for our mental wellbeing. Have you ever come home from a long work day and not been motivated to participate in a hobby you love? So often, the desire to succeed professionally can make us neglect ourselves. Without a healthy balance, we are more prone to prolonged periods of stress and burnout.
Achieving balance looks different for everyone and can change daily. It’s important to put your mental health at the forefront. Say no to taking on larger tasks when needed, turn your devices off after work hours, and recognize that what you get done in a day is enough.
Remember to schedule time for self-care and fun. Feeling recharged will help you be more motivated and happier when Monday comes back.
2. Acknowledge progress and celebrate successes
How great does it feel when someone acknowledges your skillset and accomplishments? Pretty good, right? Why not boost your happiness levels in the workplace by celebrating your success? When is the last time you rewarded yourself for a job well done?
You can also take time to celebrate your colleagues’ successes. Complimenting others and giving praise can help you build connections in the workplace. Everyone likes to be noticed for the work they do!
Set realistic expectations for what you deem to be an accomplishment. Checking off an item on your to-do list is a success in itself!
3. Build on your skills and learn new ones
Repetition of the same tasks can become daunting and tiresome. However, most people feel happy doing the same thing each day while working towards building a skill. You can improve feelings of satisfaction when you learn new skills. Volunteer to take on a new type of task. Or look at professional development opportunities that interest you. Learning new skills can help you to feel inspirited and motivated each day.
4. Set boundaries
Setting work boundaries is essential to avoiding burnout and increasing levels of workplace satisfaction. Cut, rearrange, and delegate tasks where possible, and remember that you are entitled to breaks! It's easy to lose track of time when you're focused on getting tasks done. Suppose you are someone who can easily get lost in work; schedule reminders to take breaks. A 5 or 10-minute walk around the office can do wonders!
Set realistic expectations of your workload. Most people try to do more than feasibly possible. Learn to say "no" if you routinely say "yes" out of guilt or because you are afraid of displeasing or offending others.
5. Keep a clean workspace
A few stacks of paper here and a few dishes there may seem harmless, right? The answer is no! Research shows that clutter has effects on our brains. It's distracting for us to be in cluttered and untidy environments. Visual reminders of unorganized environments drain our cognitive resources, including our ability to focus. Our brains like order, and clutter can increase cognitive overload leaving us feeling overwhelmed.
Would you be happier sleeping in a clean, fresh bed or one filled with laundry, dog toys, or electronic devices? It's pretty clear what the better option is!
When your workspace is free of clutter, you'll be able to stay more organized physically and mentally.