by Amon Karagara

Created on: May 29, 2009

Millions of us spend more hours at work than we spend on other aspects of our life. It is therefore important that we find happiness when we are at our work places. Most companies do their best to ensure that their employees are happy because they are well aware of the positive relationship between happy employees and productivity, and thus profits. The happier we are the more productive and successful we become at our jobs.

Sometimes, factors beyond our control tend to take away our happiness. However, there are times when we are responsible for our own happiness. It might seem hard to maintain a desired amount of happiness in our work, but it can be made possible. Try these ideas:

POSITIVE THINKING AND ATTITUDE. If you always think negatively or maintain a negative attitude around your work, you will not be any happier. So, try to think as positive as you can. Things could be worse. Focusing on the positive will help keep your mind away from the negative moments, thus leading to more happiness.

COMMUNICATION. Much of the happiness at work is related to communication. If employees are not communicating well with their managers or with fellow co-workers, there is bound to be a vacuum that usually leads to lack of happiness. Therefore, it is important for you to find ways of keeping that communication flowing if you are to get happier. Try to engage your boss or co-worker if you are not sure or unhappy about a certain issue. Keeping quiet or not asking for feedback will make you angry and unhappy.

SELF CONFIDENCE. The feeling that your contribution is important to the overall success of your organization will make you happier. You will feel more valuable and wanted by your team or company.

MAKE IT FUN. Having co-workers that you can share light moments with is a great way to boost your happiness at work. I am not saying you gossip around, but perhaps when you meet over your breaks or in the hallway, you crack a joke or something like that.

BREAKS. Some companies tend to underestimate the value of breaks. The brain needs some time to regain its normal state. You should try to take breaks, even if they are brief. For instance, you might want to get away from your desk for three minutes. It may not seem like much time, but by the time you return, you will feel different. Then of course, don't skip your lunch break because you want to finish your work on time.

LEAVE WORK AT WORK, i.e. don't let thoughts about work occupy your mind even when you are not at work. Even if you carry some of your workload home, don't focus on it until you actually get to resume working. Anyone who is always preoccupied with thoughts about their work, actually never finds happiness in their work.

AVOID NON-WORK ISSUES WHILE AT WORK. If you have any non-work issues, such as family or relationship issues, etc, your work time is not the time to deal with them. The moment you get mixed up in these, they might end up turning a pleasant day into something else. Spare such issues for your after hours or days off, and let every concerned person understand this.

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