Top tips to being happy at work

MANY people think that if only they worked for a cooler company, had a different job or made more money, they would then be happy at work.
But Linda Trim, a director at workplace design specialists, Giant Leap, says that we should look to ourselves first for work happiness. “The fundamental responsibility for being happy at work rests with the individual. You can be happier at work by following some simple ideas.”

These are her top tips:

1. Choose to be happy at work

Happiness is mostly a choice according to most experts. Therefore, you can choose to be happy at work. It sounds simple, but it is often difficult to put into action.
She says: “Think positively about your work. Dwell on the aspects that you enjoy. Find co-workers you like and spend your time with them. Your choices at work largely define your experience.”

2. Only make commitments you can keep

One of the biggest causes of work stress and unhappiness is failing to keep commitments. Many employees spend more time making excuses for unkept commitments and worrying about the consequences than they do performing the tasks promised.
Create a system of organisation and planning that enables you to assess your ability to complete a requested commitment. “Don’t volunteer if you don’t have time. If your workload exceeds your available time and energy, make a comprehensive plan to ask for help and resources,” Trim advises.

3. Take charge of your personal and professional development

She says: “You are the person with the most to gain from continuing to develop professionally, so take charge of your own growth.”
Ask for specific and meaningful help from your boss, but stick to your plans and goals.

4. Know what is happening at work

People often complain that they do not receive enough information about what is happening with their company, projects or co-workers.
They wait for their boss to fill them in.
But the information rarely comes. Why? “Because the boss is busy doing their job and doesn’t know what you don’t know. Seek out the information you need to work effectively. Develop an information network and use it,” Trim advises.

5. Ask for regular feedback

Many people complain that their boss never gives me any feedback, so they never know how they are doing. “The truth is,” says Trim, “you probably know exactly how you’re doing, especially if you feel positive about your performance.”
If you are not positive about your work, think about improving and making a greater effort, then ask for feedback and an assessment of your work.

6. Don’t be a ‘neg-head’

Choosing to be happy at work means avoiding negative conversations, gossip and unhappy people as much as possible.
No matter how positive you feel, negative people have a profound impact on your psyche. Do not let the “neg-heads” bring you down.

7. Make friends

“One the best ways to be happier at work is to have a best friend at work,” she advises.
Enjoying your co-workers is a good predictor of a positive and happy work experience. Take time to get to know them.

8. If all fails, search for a new job

If none of these ideas makes you happy at work, it is time you re-evaluated your job.
Most work environments do not change all that much. But unhappy employees tend to grow even more disgruntled.
“You can secretly smile, while you spend all of your non-work time searching for a job,” Trim concludes.

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