Ways to be happier at Work

At some stage within our working career we have had feelings of quitting our job cause we may feel under valued and under paid for the hours and dedication in which we put into the job, or the lack of support from our fellow colleagues or our boss.

When we look at what each one of us defines as happiness and satisfaction within the workplace can be very different. For some it may be job satisfaction, recognition of the hard work they have put in to the company, having a happy culture or the monetary aspect.

So what are some ways for us to be happier at work, and to maintaining that momentum within the workplace.

• Choosing to be happy

Being happy is a choice you make on a daily basis. We can look at things through a positive approach and be happy or choose to look at things in a negative approach. It wont always be perfect within the workplace, but how we approach it can make a huge difference. By thinking positive and focusing on being happy you will enjoy your job and it will be infectious to your other team members.

• Find a career you enjoy

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do” – Steve Jobs

For some of us, a career that they enjoy may include finding that job which uses there skills and knowledge in which they are proud of, and for others it may be something that they are passionate about and fulfilling. We all have moments where by we are not happy every day, but if your career is something that you enjoy and feel proud of you will find that you will feel more happy at work. Have a look at yourself, your skills and interests, and find something you can enjoy doing every day.

• Professional Development

Take charge or you own growth and development by investing in your personal and professional development. Develop a plan and goals in which you want to achieve for your career, and then pursue them.

Other ways to help develop skills while learning them through a training provider could be sitting down with your boss and expressing that you would like to learn new things to help develop your knowledge within the organisation. By doing this it will help you long term as well as showing your boss that you are wanting to try new things and further yourself.

• Incentives

We all have a specific task within our job that we all hate doing at some stage over the course of the day, and no matter how long we delay it we have to eventually do it. Another way we can look at completing that specific task could be an incentive, which could be on the lines of “If I complete this report, I can go down stairs and get myself a coffee” or “If I get this report completed, I will be able to catch up with my friends for happy hour tonight. The simple things will have a positive effect long term.

So what things make you happy within the workplace?

Amanda Ogden is from Sydney Australia, and has spent the past 13 years working within the welfare industry in both administration and case management assisting people with mental health issues, mild intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, drug & alcohol, homelessness gain employment. She also loves travelling, creating jewellery, music, friends and family.