Focus on increasing your own happiness at work because happier workers perform better, are more innovative, and achieve greater career success, including higher salaries and promotions.
Strive to be in flow and present in whatever you are doing, rather than ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, to improve overall well-being.
Actively modify your job tasks and relationships to align with your personal signature strengths and values, which can increase job satisfaction and make your work feel more like a calling.
Make a conscious effort to build connections with colleagues, as a strong sense of belonging and having friends at work significantly predicts happiness and better performance.
Move beyond surface-level topics and engage in more personal conversations about feelings, values, and hobbies to foster closer connections and a stronger sense of belonging with colleagues.
Overcome the fear of asking for help from coworkers, as it allows them to feel needed, increases their positive emotion, and ultimately strengthens your connection with them.
Allow yourself to show occasional vulnerability and express gratitude for help received, as this “beautiful mess effect” can foster deeper connections with others rather than making you seem less capable.
Recognize that your positive mood is contagious and can uplift your team members, making your personal happiness a mechanism for caring for others in the workplace.
Intentionally put yourself in a good mood, such as by watching silly videos, before tackling challenging tasks to foster more innovative problem-solving.
When given general advice, experiment with it yourself to discover what works best for your individual needs and preferences, rather than blindly following universal prescriptions.
Keep a personal list of “delights” – small or large things in the world that bring you joy and make you feel grateful – to regularly revisit and boost your happiness.
As a leader, intentionally focus on fostering a culture where employees feel a strong sense of belonging, believe their work matters, and feel they matter to their colleagues, as these are the biggest predictors of happiness and company success.
During tough times, implement shared sacrifices across all levels of the company, rather than layoffs, to foster a strong sense of belonging, meaning, and collective care among employees.
Consider recruiting friends together for teams or organizations, as this strategy instantly creates a sense of belonging and can model positive social connections for other colleagues.
Establish a specific routine for enjoyable events, like telling family members the schedule, setting up a comfortable viewing space with elevated feet, specific snacks (apple juice and pretzels), and ensuring personal space, to enhance the experience.