There are a lot of myths about happiness and work, such as “you’ll be happy when you succeed,” or “you don’t have to be happy in order to succeed, or “work isn’t personal, so don’t get all touchy-feely about emotional satisfaction.” The reality of our professional experience is that we all want to thrive and spend more of our time in a positive energy field. And more people are wising up to the fact that being engaged, content and—dare we say it—happy in their careers is worth fighting for. The upside is that happiness increases engagement, productivity, performance, teamwork, profit, and more.
To help you get there, here are seven articles that expound on the importance of happiness at work—and provide tangible tips, strategies, and actions.
Being Happy at Work Matters, Harvard Business Review
“It’s time to finally blow up the myth that feelings don’t matter at work,” writes Annie McKee, founder of the Teleos Leadership Institute and one of the authors of the book, Primal Leadership. In this article, McKee points to research she conducted about why happy people do better work, and why those smiling team members make a positive impact on organizations.
15 Proven Tips to Being Happy at Work, Inc.
According to a 2013 Gallup poll, unhappy workers outnumber happy workers two to one. But it doesn’t have to be this way. From simple tactics like smiling to saying thank-you; getting organized and finding a work buddy, this article gives you doable strategies for raising your happiness quotient at work. No more moping around in 2015!
12 Ways To Be Happier at Work In Less Than 10 Minutes, Business Insider
Sometimes you just want a quick ride to happy land—in a good way! Bestselling author and meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg focuses on the power of diminutive efforts and stopping to take stock. This article provides simple ways to put challenges into perspective and lift your overall contentment level.
Does Size Matter to Happiness—at Work? Forbes
This short sensible article considers the key influences of happiness at work—from leadership to company size. The author provides four things to focus on to improve happiness, no matter what your circumstances are. “Taking concrete steps to improve your job and long-term career can boost your satisfaction regardless of your current situation.”
Why Happiness at Work Matters, Inc.
This article provides strong motivating reasons to be happy in our jobs, such as happiness is a productivity booster; fun is a great loyalty program; happy people work better with others, learn faster, make better decisions—the list goes on.
5 Scientifically Proven Ways to be Happier at Work, Time
Make fewer decisions is just one of the scientifically proven ways to be happier at work, according to this Time article. Would you turn your back on an article that advises you to spend time savoring your morning cup of coffee?
Be Happy at Work, Wikihow pictorial
From dressing well to leaving your personal problems at home, this pictorial is broken up into four parts:
- Starting Your Day Off on the Right Foot
- Making Your Work Easier
- Interacting with Your Coworkers
- Maintaining a Positive Attitude.
With the right attitude and habits, and a keen persistence, happiness at work really is yours for the taking.
