The key to work happiness may be a couple of tweaks to your job
Just because you had a bad day, doesn’t mean you have to throw in your job. These tips to get workplace happiness show the sky is the limit.
EVERYONE wants to be happy at work but it is not just up to the boss to make that happen.
Workers can boost their own workplace happiness by choosing the right role and considering things in a different light.
Research from recruiter Robert Half reveals employee happiness relies on a combination of factors, including being in a cohesive team, for which 83 per cent of workers say their job ticks this box.
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Having interesting and fulfilling work (66 per cent), feeling a sense of accomplishment (64 per cent), having friends at work (62 per cent), enjoying work/life balance (59 per cent), and learning new skills (50 per cent) also play a part.
Robert Half Asia Pacific senior managing director David Jones says workplace happiness has a concrete effect on business profitability, as it correlates with higher productivity, engagement and innovation.
“(Workers) have higher levels of job satisfaction when they find the work they do to be stimulating, have good working relationships and fit in with the company culture,” he says.
Karen Gately, human resources expert and director of Ryan Gately, says there are a few easy ways for workers to take control of their happiness at work.
STAY ENERGISED
“When drained of energy, we are all entirely more likely to think, feel and act in ways that undermine our success,” she says.
“Start with looking after your body. Adequate sleep, food and water are all essential to maintaining happiness.”
MAKE FRIENDS
Gately recommends workers take the time to get the know the people they work with.
“Having friends at work can have big influence on our sense of belonging and ultimately happiness,” she says.
“While not everyone is likely to be the type of person you enjoy spending time with, look for those you can relate to and make the effort to connect with them.”
ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE
“Recognise when you are choosing to focus solely on what’s wrong, rather than all of the things you can be grateful for,” she says.
“No job or employer is likely to be perfect so don’t expect them to be.”
SPEAK UP
Gately says there is no point wallowing in issues without raising them with the people who can help change the situation.
“While it can be confronting to raise concern, the simple reality is unless we voice how we are feeling we have little to no influence on our circumstances,” she says.
DO WHAT YOU LOVE
“If you’re in a role you simply don’t like, the chances of you being happy are slim,” she says.
“While changing direction can be undeniably challenging, staying where you are isn’t a workable solution if being happy at work matters to you.
“Sitting back wishing, hoping or praying that things will change, won’t get you to where you want to be.
“If you want your circumstances to change, you need to get into the driver’s seat and make things happen.”
TAKING GOOD ADVICE ...
Cassidy McKennan has taken the leap to start a career that makes her happy.
At 19, she is doing what she loves, having completed her first solo flight as part of her pilot training with Australian Wings Academy.
“I needed three pillows (to sit on) so I could see over the instrument panel, but nothing will stop me,” she says.
“I couldn’t believe I was actually flying a plane by myself. It’s only been 10 hours with an instructor and now I am flying solo.
“I obviously knew what I was doing so I had nothing to worry about at all.”
McKennan works part time at her local pharmacy to financially support herself while training and says the VET Student Loan Scheme has also helped.
“I have known for a long time that I wanted to be a pilot,” she says.
“When I was old enough to travel by myself, I used to fly back and forward to Sydney to visit my grandparents and it really fascinated me.”
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