Not every workplace is ideal. Most have drawbacks. And although we’re not suggesting it’s OK to settle, or that you should continue to work somewhere that truly does make you miserable, regardless of annoying co-workers, technical glitches, unexpected changes in company policy and other things you can’t control, how you react is your responsibility. Whether or not you’re happy at work is a decision you make. So how do you make the shift from dreary to cheery? Here are 5 ways to stay happy at work:
Make Yourself At Home
You spend a lot of time at work, so you should probably get comfy. Like your home, your office space should reflect your interests. Bring in pictures of your family and friends. Put a mini Zen garden or fountain on your desk. Use a pillow for your back. Bring in whatever you need to create a happy, peaceful environment. Just make sure your décor is in compliance with company policy.
Make Buddies
When you have friends at work, going there everyday is a tad easier. Making friends can reduce stress in the workplace considerably. It creates a support system; it gives you people to laugh with. And it provides you with a sounding board when things feel overwhelming.
Take Responsibility For Your Own Growth
No one cares about your professional growth as much as you do. If you want to move forward, you have to take charge. If you don’t have a good mentor or someone who is vested in your success, be that person. Read self help books, set goals, assess your progress.
Find ways to be on top of changes in the company so you’re not thrown through a loop. Ask for things you need for growth rather than waiting for them to come to you. And ask for feedback regularly. This gets rid of those nagging feelings that your boss doesn’t express appreciation or provide you with helpful insight on how you could improve.
Get Rid of Negative Thoughts and Beliefs
Happiness is a choice. When you choose happiness, you choose to see things in a positive light. This means getting rid of the negative things that keep you stuck. Stop trying to read people’s minds by assuming that other people in the office are thinking poorly of you. And stop basing your self worth on what others think.
Get rid of self-doubt. Focusing on your own shortcomings is not only detrimental, it’s a waste of time. Focus on finding ways to move forward instead. Start cultivating a strong belief in your own abilities. Celebrate your accomplishments – even if no one else does – and seek to improve.
Have positive quotes in your office or statements about things you do that rock on your screen saver. Decide that any day your cubicle doesn’t burn down is a good day. Don’t hang around negative people or spend time engaging in trash talk. It will bring you down. Rather, hang around people in the office that build you up and inspire.
Don’t Put Yourself On Overload
Practicing time management is the key to reducing stress in the workplace. One trick for this is to answer emails at designated times. When you’re working on a project, resist the temptation to check emails so you can power on through. Choose a couple designated times to do this instead, and put a cap on the duration of each email checking session.
Using online tools such as Remember The Milk and Evernote can also help with productivity. Keeping your office organized so you know where everything is and can access things quickly is crucial. Your boss or colleagues probably have some good tricks for time management. Ask them to share their secrets.
Having good time management skills will help you know your limits so you don’t create a gargantuan workload for yourself. Don’t volunteer or commit to tasks you may not be able to complete on time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Do you agree that whether or not you’re happy at work is up to you? If so, what will you do to improve your happiness level at work? If not, what do you think prevents you from being happy at work? Please comment below.