Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Being happy at work

Author: Andy Pan
by Andy Pan
Posted: Oct 19, 2016

If the words "happy" and "work" are put together, they would most likely be perceived as an oxymoron to most people. Often, many of us would testify that our jobs are merely financial means to an end. Even more would lament about the drudgery of everyday work life – the "slow death" that saps our energy from day to day. If this is the case, it would be truly ironic that we actually spend the bulk of our time (approximately 5 work days a week) being unhappy. And if we were to extrapolate this across an entire career, a grim picture awaits all of us.

In 2011, a multinational survey of 14 countries ranked Singapore employees as the least happy. 42% of those who were surveyed indicated that they were dissatisfied or more than dissatisfied with their jobs. With rapidly changing marketplaces, job demands have been struggling to keep pace.

So can we be happy at work?

The answer is an unequivocal yes. But how you might wonder? Here are the steps:

1. ENGAGE YOUR WORK

For years, HR professionals have introduced various ways of increasing the engagement levels of their organisations’ employees, so as to improve their productivity in the face of global changes. But what exactly is employee engagement?

University of Chicago psychologist Mihalyi Csikzentmihalyi, who has studied the psychology of engaged workers at all levels, found that they create a hyperfocused state of mind. He calls it "flow." People in flow are exhilarated and are remarkably unstressed even when doing challenging work. They lose themselves in a task they love and feel "out of time." Their brains work efficiently and precisely. Interestingly, Csikzentmihalyi discovered that people are much more likely to be in flow while working than while involved in leisure activities.

One way that organisations can engage their employees better is to ensure that an employee’s key performance indicators are clearly defined, because flow occurs most often when tasks are tightly aligned with the person’s goals. This would allow the individual to be better engaged in his or her work. Also, a work station with the most minimal of distractions would encourage flow. From simple actions like switching phones to silent mode to temporarily removing any IM notifications, flow levels can be heightened. Sometimes, even pouring and losing oneself in a project, especially one that you are passionate about, can allow you to enjoy work more. Employees must be encouraged to practice such behaviours.

Read full article here

About the Author

- By Right Imapct Training Right Impact Training delivers quality learning and employee engagement solutions to people, so that they can make a positive impact on the people around them, their

Rate this Article
Leave a Comment
Author Thumbnail
I Agree:
Comment 
Pictures
Author: Andy Pan

Andy Pan

Member since: Jul 30, 2016
Published articles: 9

Related Articles