Improve Your Happiness At Work by Integral Workplace Wellness

September 23rd - 27th is "International Happiness at Work Week" and we expect you’ve likely had some thoughts on this topic due to your own personal experiences at work. You may have even questioned yourself - Am I happy at work? Do I feel fulfilled in my job? Do I have a healthy work / life balance and is that even possible?

 

If you’re a business owner or manager, you may be questioning how your staff members feel about their job and the company? Are they happy at work? What can I do to help improve their happiness at work?

Let’s explore the idea of "happiness at work" from both the perspective of an employee and a manager/employer, and let’s be realistic, managers are also employees, but you have an additional level of responsibility.

 

How Can You be Happy at Work?

 

 

Approximately 36% of UK employees are dissatisfied with their jobs. This lack of fulfilment can trigger a range of negative consequences, such as physical and mental health issues. In 2021/2020, there were 914,000 workers in the UK experiencing work-related stress, depression, and anxiety.

However, despite these concerning figures, it is possible to manage work-related stress and cultivate Happiness at Work—and the power to do so lies with you! Yes, you read that correctly. Your mindset and outlook have the potential to make a significant difference, even in circumstances where you might feel like you have little or no control.

Here are some strategies and tools to help you foster Happiness at Work: 

1. Shift Your Perspective

• Acknowledge What You Can Control: Concentrate on the parts of your job that you can impact. Although you may not have control over every aspect, you do have the power over your attitude, the way you tackle your tasks, and how you engage with colleagues.
• Reframe Challenges as Opportunities: Instead of seeing challenges as obstacles, try to view them as opportunities for growth and learning. This change in perspective can make tough situations feel more approachable.  (Pro tip: Look up ‘Growth Mindset’ and start embracing it!)

2. Set Personal Goals

• Align Your Goals with Your Values: Identify what’s important to you and set small, achievable goals that align with your values. Even if your current job isn’t your ideal career, striving towards something that resonates with your personal values can enhance your sense of purpose and satisfaction.
• Track Your Progress: Regularly check in on your goals and celebrate your achievements (see point 4), no matter how small. Progress itself can be a source of motivation and happiness.

3. Embrace Change

• Be Open to New Opportunities: Sometimes, finding happiness at work means being open to change, whether it’s taking on new responsibilities, exploring different roles within your company, or even considering a career change.
• Adapt and Grow: Work environments are constantly evolving. Embracing change with a flexible and positive attitude can help you handle challenges more effectively and maintain your happiness.

4. Celebrate Small Wins

• Acknowledge Your Efforts: Don’t wait for big achievements to celebrate. Recognise and reward yourself for completing tasks, meeting deadlines, or even just making it through a tough day.
• Share Your Wins: Celebrating your wins with your coworkers can foster a more uplifting workplace atmosphere and elevate your own spirits.

5. Create a Positive Work Routine

• Start Your Day with Intention: Begin your workday with a positive ritual, like a brief meditation, exercise, or setting a daily intention. This can set the tone for a more productive and happier day. Additionally, being organised and planning your tasks the night before can set you up for a smoother workflow.
• Take Regular Breaks: Never underestimate the impact of a short break. Taking time to step away from your desk, stretch, breathe, or enjoy a quick walk can refresh your mind, help you regain focus, boost productivity, and reduce stress.

6. Create a Work-Life Balance

• Find Flexibility in Your Schedule: Where possible, negotiate for flexible working hours or consider remote work options that suit your lifestyle. Set clear boundaries to protect your personal time and ensure you have space to unwind away from work responsibilities.
• Enjoy a More Balanced Life: Having control over your work schedule helps you reduce stress and boost job satisfaction, creating a healthier work-life balance. This balance allows you to be more present and engaged both at work and in your personal life.

7. Support Your Mental Health

• Utilise Available Resources: Where available, access mental health resources such as support services, stress management workshops and mental health training. Recognise when you're reaching your limits and take breaks to recharge and maintain your well-being.
• Enhance Your Emotional Resilience: By prioritising your mental health and using available resources, you can mitigate stress, avoid burnout, and sustain a positive and resilient mindset in both professional and personal areas of your life.

8. Practice Mindfulness

• Stay Present: Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, which can help you stay focused and reduce stress and anxiety. Practicing mindfulness at work can make tasks feel less overwhelming.
• Breathe: Incorporate deep breathing exercises into your day to help manage stress. Even a few moments of mindful breathing can calm your mind and improve your mood.

We appreciate every person and job is incredibly varied and not all of these tips and tools may be applicable, but we encourage you to spend some time, really reflect on what you can do within your own personal situation to change your thoughts, change your language and ultimately change your experience to improve your level of Happiness at Work.

Happiness at work isn’t about having the perfect job; it’s about making the best of the situation you’re in. By shifting your perspective, practicing mindfulness, and focusing on mental health & wellbeing and personal growth, you can create a more positive work experience for yourself. Remember, your happiness is in your hands, and with the right mindset and tools, you can find joy in your work, even when things are challenging.

However, if you are struggling because you genuinely dislike your job, then the reality is it may be time for a change. There is a quote by Kathy Overman: “Your nervous system will always choose a familiar hell over an unfamiliar heaven.” That means you will always stay in an unhappy state because it feels safe. Change is challenging because it’s uncomfortable but what is the cost long term of staying in the familiar?

Looking deeper into what you want long term and how you can plan for that change might be the next step for you achieving improved Happiness at Work. 

 

 

How Managers & Employers can Improve Happiness at Work for All

 

We recognise that running a business is no easy task, requiring a delicate balance between prioritising profit and valuing people. Through our conversations with employees, managers, business owners, and directors, we’ve discovered several strategies that, if adjusted or put into place, could significantly transform your workplace culture and enhance overall happiness at work.

Here are 5 key areas you might consider focusing on to create a more positive environment in your workplace:

 

1. Recognise and Reward Employees

• Actions: Regularly celebrate both major achievements and everyday successes, whether through formal awards or simple acknowledgments. Recognising employees’ efforts makes them feel appreciated, which can enhance morale and motivation.

2. Foster Open Communication

• Actions: Establish clear channels for communication and feedback, listen attentively to employee concerns, and act on their input. When employees feel heard and valued, it fosters higher job satisfaction.

3. Empower Employees

• Actions: Provide employees with autonomy over their tasks and involve them in decision-making processes. When employees feel empowered, they are more likely to take ownership of their work, resulting in increased job satisfaction.

4. Create a Positive Workplace Culture

• Actions: Promote a culture of teamwork, inclusivity, and positivity. Organise team-building events and encourage a sense of community. A supportive culture can strengthen relationships and boost overall happiness among employees.

5. Support the Mental Health of All Staff

• Actions: Offer access to mental health support resources, provide First Aid for Mental Health training or workshops on mental health. Support flexible working arrangements to help reduce stress and prevent burnout. Maintain an open dialogue about mental health to eliminate stigma and ensure everyone feels supported.

We appreciate you cannot do everything all at once, you have limited time and budget, however a few well intentioned initiatives could make a positive difference to improving Happiness at Work for all.

Richard Branson was once quoted –

“Take care of your employees and they will take care of your business. It’s as simple as that.”

 

How Integral Workplace Wellness Can Support You & Your Staff

 

 

We partner with companies across various industries, and regardless of the sector, your employees face similar needs and challenges. They encounter stress not only in their professional lives but also in their personal lives.

Our goal is to recognise these struggles and offer support on both professional and personal fronts, helping your team achieve happiness and productivity at work. We provide:

• Proactive Staff Support Service – A highly personalised service with a 7 times higher engagement rate than an EAP
• First Aid for Mental Health Training – So your staff are trained to support themselves and their colleagues
• Workshops – Covering Mental Health at Work and Stress & Resilience, aimed to equip staff with tools for work & life.

Get in touch to see how we can help you support your staff better and for much less investment than you might expect.

 

Sources –

Indeed Work Happiness Score

2022/23 HSE Statistics

 

 

Dean Attwood & Bel Hardman

www.integralworkplacewellness.com

info@integralworkplacewellness.com

0800 779 7750

 

“When people have the tools to manage their daily stresses, the support to cope with emotions
and a hearing ear they become more empowered and capable of dealing with the ups and downs of life.”