Happiness at work

What exactly is happiness at work?

Happiness at work is more than pleasure at work. It is the happiness and pleasure that the work gives you as an employee. This goes beyond 'a nice job'. It is work that gives you satisfaction, stimulates you, recharges you and motivates you. Twelve factors combined determine whether you feel happy at work. See for yourself what this looks like for your job and then fill in a rating. (Be honest though)

12 factors of happiness at work:

1. The degree of influence you have on how your working day looks like (autonomy)
2. Being able to use your strengths, your qualities
3. The degree of challenge
4. A lot of variation, but not so much that it causes stress
5. Knowing what is expected of you
6. Sufficient and pleasant social contacts
7. An appropriate salary
8. Safe and pleasant working environment
9. The extent to which the work is appreciated by yourself and others
10. A good boss
11. Sufficient future perspectives
12. An organisation where you are treated fairly

What is important to you?

The scores you have given above say something about your happiness and the meaning you give to your work. See where you score high and where you score low. What does this say about you?

So why do so many people not enjoy their work?

You live to work and you don't work to live? Do you see your job as a necessity or as a way to grow as a person? Many people do not experience happiness at work, but find the step to do something else exciting. Don't want the uncertainty of changing jobs? Then you can always take steps yourself to experience more happiness at work!

What can you do to increase your happiness at work?

1. Be positive! Enjoyment is a choice. Instead of complaining about everything that doesn't go well, you can change that with your positive attitude. See your work as something positive! 
2. Get involved and do your best! You will enjoy your work more if you become better at what you do. For example, you can set yourself goals by doing a little extra sometimes, which will make you better at what you do. Doing your best does not mean that you cannot make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes in their work. Therefore, do not be afraid to fail. You can learn from mistakes and the more you learn from your mistakes, the better you will become at your job. Do not compare yourself with others either, but be satisfied with what you can do.
3. Fulfil your purpose. If you work only to earn money, you will not enjoy your work. So ask yourself: What is the point of my work? What does it do for others? You will get more satisfaction from your work if you see what others get out of it.

You will see that if you go to work with a positive attitude, do your best and realise why you are doing it, you will enjoy your work more.