How to Be Happy at Work?

Contrary to what most employers might want you to believe, being happy at work should be your main goal, although, not at the expense of actually being productive. There are many ways that will help you to stay happy at work, which should also have a positive effect on your career path as well as your personal life.

Prioritize

This might seem like a buzz word (perhaps it is, and for good reason), but being able to prioritize is half the battle of being happy at work. During your working hours, quite naturally your priority should be carrying out your duties and reaching your goals, rather than checking Facebook or writing out your wedding guest list. However, it is also important to prioritize tasks, deciding which duties are most important to reaching your overall goals at work as well as which ones contribute to the overall success of your team. For example, if other people’s work depend on you completing your tasks first, by making them a priority, you are adding to the success of your team rather than prioritizing your own work goals. This will help you in your relationships at work as well as giving you a clear head when last minute tasks are thrown your way.

Work life balance

Somewhat linked to the previous point about prioritizing, creating a work-life balance is very important. You should set boundaries with yourself and your work colleagues from early on. It is much harder to set boundaries once you have established a working relationship. For example, not answering work emails on the weekends and after a certain time in the evening can help to establish healthy boundaries that everyone can respect. Once your boss is accustomed to being able to contact you at any hour of the day and night, it will be hard to stop this at a later stage.

Communicate

This is a key factor in staying happy at work. Communicating your concerns, ideas, goals and expectations can help you get off on the right foot with both your superiors, co-workers and those people whom you manage. Nobody likes surprises or being left in the dark, so make sure you communicate information that will contribute to the calm running of your department.

Establish healthy competition

Competition can be a healthy factor at work, especially when working in sales or promotional work. However, it is important to be able to distinguish between healthy professional competition and personal rivalry. Communication is key here too. Ambition is great but not at the expensive of the sound running of your department.

Avoid gossip

An essential rule that also applies to life in general. Avoid taking part in gossip and forming “sides.” Try to remain as neutral as possible. You never know when the person you have targeted as your rival will become your boss or your teammate. Another reason to avoid gossip is to enhance the general atmosphere of your workspace. Toxic relationships can affect your progress and performance and also stop you from being chosen for promotions.

What additional advice do you have? Add your comments.