Happiness at work
Historically and culturally, we have felt that work and happiness are two terms that are very difficult to reconcile.
According to recent reports, about 60% of spanish people are not happy in their jobs.
But ¿Why is it so hard for us to be happy at work? ¿Can we do anything to improve our happiness?
The first mistake we often make is thinking that we have several lives running in parallel. A personal life, a professional life, a family life…
In reality, we have just one life with different dimensions. Therefore, if we are unhappy in one of those dimensions, it will inevitably affect the others.
The first thing we must do is recognize what makes us happy. This varies depending on age, personality, hobbies, and life stage. It could be a partner, children, health, well-being, free time, hobbies, social recognition, etc. We should also identify what makes us unhappy in order to avoid it.
Improving happiness at work is a two-way street, in which both sides (employees and the company) can take actions to increase mutual satisfaction and, in doing so, build a sense of connection that helps foster happiness at work.
From the employee’s side, showing commitment to the company, respecting company decisions, increasing productivity, participation, and responsibility in one’s tasks, and demonstrating resilience in the face of changes or challenges are all actions that companies value highly.
From the company’s side, transparency, recognition, professional development, job security, and flexible schedules are qualities that employees greatly appreciate.
Here are some examples of good practices:
Ensuring that the entire team clearly understands the mission, vision, and values.
Remembering that a happy organization is everyone’s responsibility.
Understanding the business model and working together to ensure profitability.
Planning work effectively and teaching resilience to adapt to constant changes.
Communicating regularly about what is happening and what needs to change.
If each of us can do our part to improve our happiness, ¿wouldn’t it be foolish not to?
