Happy at Work Project.

Posted on April 25th, 2011 by Robbin and currently 8 commenting.

Photo via LIbby Williams. Kindness is underrated…

The other day I got the most interesting text from a new friend. It simply said:

Are you always so optimistic or is it an act?

Hmmmm.

I have to admit, that question stopped me dead in my tracks and got me thinking:

Is happiness a choice? Is it really?

So I started doing a bit of research about happiness at work and personal happiness. Trying to see the connections.

Do you know that only 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their work?

Wow. I realized I might live in self made bubble here at Brains on Fire, but how can that be? And what would it take to bring more joy and meaning to our work? Is career happiness a privilege or a lucky break?

Or is it something in our control?

If how you choose to look at life (being optimistic or pessimistic) is a choice or even an “act” at times, is happiness too?

Happiness at Work matters.

According this article: If the job satisfaction trend is not reversed, economists say, it could stifle innovation and hurt America’s competitiveness and productivity. We don’t want that to happen.

So, let’s start a “Happy at Work” movement.

Here are eight things that I think you can do to make your work happier. As leaders, bosses and employees, let’s take shared ownership on getting that “Happy at Work” percentage a bit higher.

1. Try and find the higher purpose in what you are doing. Reframe even the most challenging tasks. I was talking to @mackcollier this week and telling him that about 10-20 percent of the people who reach out to me are looking for work. At Brains on Fire we try hard to answer every single one of those emails or calls. We are not perfect at it, it’s a challenge, but between about three of us, we try really hard. Looking for work is tough and sometimes lonely, so we have decided as a company that offering encouragement and little bit of time is the least we can do for those that reach out to us.

2. Help someone. Ask yourself everyday at work how can I help someone today? Studies have shown that giving is essential to happiness. While we often think that we will be happier when we receive, the truth is we are happier when we give. This is also something in your control. So help a coworker. Mentor someone younger. If you are young and can help someone older at work, just do it. If you have a difficult client, find a way to make their life a bit easier. Chances are they are being difficult simply because they are dealing with troubles you can’t begin to imagine.

3. Find a way to get outside every day. And encourage your teammates to do the same. Sunshine and nature and fresh air are vital to happiness.

4. Listen more than you speak. Period. My partner Greg Cordell told me once that the main thing he tries to do in life is “seek to understand others”. And that makes him a great natural listener. and someone I am happy to be around.

5. Stop judging others. Period.

6. Focus on what you can control. This one is obvious but I am amazed at how much conversation can go on about things we simply can not control. Let go of those things.

7. Keep your promises and do what you say you are going to do. So much conflict could be avoided in the workplace if we all did a better job at upholding this act of integrity. So even with the tiny promises, like “I’ll call you back. I’ll get you that list.” And certainly with the big ones like trust and honesty. keep your promises. With yourself and others. You’ll sleep better at night.

8. Honor the “best friend at work” policy. Find a confident. Don’t spread misery but promise each other to support and lift each other up. Share happiness. It’s better when you do.

I am sure you can add more ideas.

How can or how have you made the work you do in the world more meaningful and happier?

Come on. Let’s share.