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The 10 keys to finding happiness at work

  • November 12, 2024
  • 5 min read
The 10 keys to finding happiness at work

Work is the activity that occupies the most hours in our day-to-day life after sleeping. If we think about it that way, happiness at work suddenly becomes a priority in anyone’s life. Emotions accompany us wherever we go, also in our work life.

10 keys to happiness at work

Achieving professional fulfillment and happiness at work is more than possible, but to do so, we need to have the right mindset and company culture. Would you like to work in the happiest company in the world? Take good note of these 10 tips.

1) Create an environment of trust

The happiest companies are the ones that give and build trust. Compared to the managed model, in which the boss acts as a kind of father figure to the employees, we must bet on empowerment and trust that workers will be able to make good decisions for themselves. These are the keys to trust in the company:

  • Consider the organization as a living being that must be structured flexibly.
  • Downplaying hierarchies.
  • Allow workers to make decisions freely, based on the company’s core values (which we will have previously defined).

2) Set goals…

Goals provide structure, motivation, and meaning at work. We can only work effectively if we are clear about where we are heading and we are all rowing in the same direction.

But not all goals are created equal. To be effective, we must set objectives that meet these characteristics:

  • Specific: if they are too general, it will be difficult to establish when they have been achieved.
  • Measurable: how are we going to define success?
  • Achievable and realistic: Building castles in the air can backfire rather than motivate.
  • Time-bound: Deadlines help spur motivation.

3) … but not obsessing over them

Goals are important for happiness at work, but, paradoxically, obsessing over them will prevent us from achieving them. And if we are always thinking about what we want to achieve, we do not appreciate the present moment and the achievements of the path. So it’s important to always keep a proper perspective and keep in mind that goals aren’t everything.

4) Allowing yourself to make mistakes

We come from a work culture in which failure is frowned upon and even penalized. So much so that sometimes we try to hide the failures for fear of being fired. But mistakes have a lot to teach us.

In order to improve in something, we have to get out of our comfort zone, and that implies a risk of making mistakes. But that’s okay, because behind the failures lie the best lessons.

Mazagran and Frappuccino, Apple III and the iPhone… history is full of business failures that led to great successes. If you want to work in a happy company, don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

5) Connect with others

Nowadays, all great successes come from teamwork. That’s why connecting with colleagues is essential to achieving happiness at work.

Creating a team spirit goes through the day-to-day and the small details, such as wishing others well, rejoicing in each other’s successes, and doing things together (even if it’s just having a coffee). In this way, one’s happiness will translate into everyone’s happiness.

6) Connect with ourselves

In recent years, science has confirmed one of the ancient secrets of happiness: connecting with ourselves and our inner silence. We spend our lives obsessed with endless trivial worries, plans, and regrets about the past. Techniques such as meditation help us to silence all these voices and connect with our peace of mind. For this reason, many companies are already incorporating mindfulness into work as a way to reduce stress and stimulate productivity.

7) Caring for each other

Of course, in a company, it is necessary to worry about the professional direction of employees, to know how they are evolving in meeting objectives, and to offer them help if necessary. But that work does not end there; it is also necessary to worry about how each person is on an emotional level: what things worry them, if they have problems at home or personally… and offer help at all times. In a happy company, workers are people and not just numbers.

8) Be able to combine work and personal life

Perhaps the most important key to happiness at work is feeling that work is not “eating” our lives, but that we can find a balance between our work obligations and the rest of our lives.

Flexible hours, being able to work from home, or freely choosing our holidays are essential ingredients for a good work-life balance. And achieving this is in the hands of companies.

9) Praise the achievements of others

Praising achievements is the difference between working in a motivating or demotivating environment.

In a demotivating environment, things well done are taken for granted, and bad things are criticized and exposed. The result is that the worker feels that his efforts are not adequately recognized and that there is no reason to give his best.

On the other hand, in a motivating environment, a job well done is praised and recognized, and constructive criticism is given about the aspects to be improved. In this way, employees know that their work is appreciated and have clear indications on how to continue improving.

10) Have fun!

If we want work to be a source of happiness and not torture, we have to go with the mentality of having fun. Of course, we have responsibilities and goals to fulfill, but that is not at odds with having a laugh, sharing a fun moment, and going out to eat or for the weekend. Leisure is also important!

About Author

Jennifer Gross

Jennifer Gross is a seasoned crypto writer and analyst with a deep understanding of blockchain technology and digital assets. They provide insightful commentary on market trends, DeFi, and the future of cryptocurrency innovation.