As the saying goes, a happy worker is a productive worker – however we all have days where both productivity and happiness don’t always come naturally. With that in mind we’ve put together our 5 top tips on how to be happier at work.
- Start the day well
Make sure you get your day off to a good start by eating a healthy breakfast, organising your things for the day ahead and getting to work in plenty of time. Why not set aside some time in the morning to do something you enjoy while you get ready? This could be something as simple as putting on your favourite music playlist or reading a magazine while you eat breakfast.
Of course, a large part of starting your day off on the right foot is down to getting a good night’s sleep the night before. We’re all guilty of burning the candle at both ends occasionally, but getting regular, quality sleep will allow you to start your working day feeling alert and ready to handle whatever your job throws at you.
- Separate the personal from the professional
We all occasionally have issues in our personal or professional lives that seem all-consuming, however it’s important to keep your work life as separate as possible from your home life.
Although it may not always be possible, try to deal with personal issues outside the workplace as much as you can. Not everyone wants an hourly update on that argument with your girlfriend or how your ingrown toenail is feeling!
Similarly, make sure your work life isn’t taking up too much of your personal time. Do you really need to answer emails after 6pm? When was the last time you spent a full weekend with your friends or family without being distracted by work? Unless what you’re working on is business critical then take a step back, your workplace won’t fall apart if you log off for the weekend. Best of all, you’ll be able to go back to work on Monday feeling refreshed and relaxed.
- Take a break
Make sure you step away from your desk occasionally. Go for a walk around the block on your lunch break and get some fresh air. Not only is it good for your health, the time away from your work will be good for your mental wellbeing as well.
- Avoid negativity
There’s one in every office, that Negative Nelly or Norman who just loves to complain. Maybe the printer ran out of paper, maybe they spilled their coffee this morning, maybe they don’t agree with that memo your boss just sent out. Even if they don’t have a reason right now, you can be sure they’ll find one.
Although we Brits love a moan from time to time, when someone is constantly negative in the workplace you can find that it starts impacting on your mood. Suddenly you start noticing all the bad things about your job and you’re not so sure about that memo the boss sent out either…
Try your best to avoid negative co-workers and not to engage in office gossip. If you absolutely have to work with someone negative then quickly shut down any negative conversation by saying you prefer to focus on more positive things and changing the subject.
- Do something you love
The best way to be happy at work is to do a job you love.
If you don’t have that dream job that has you waking up with a smile on your face every Monday morning, then find it now at s1jobs.