Work can make me happy

By Klaus Döring

Some of the most intangible aspects of a job are also the most rewarding: the values held by your company and co-workers. Research shows that job satisfaction worldwide depends on a sense of accomplishment, recognition for a job well done, and work-life balance.

Employees who view their work as meaningful are nearly 2.5 times happier than others, according to research by Robert Half, which found this to be the biggest driver of happiness for people in the marketing and creative fields.

Of course, no employee is happy at work every single day, and even jobs you’re passionate about can sometimes be frustrating or tedious. But if your career is something you generally enjoy and feel proud of, you are more likely to feel happy at work.

What makes people happy at work? There are seven major factors: having a sense of purpose, feeling valued, the availability of wellness programs, feeling engaged, working in a collaborative environment, having flexibility, and being in a positive workplace culture.

Doing a job we enjoy and find satisfying can provide a meaningful focus for our lives, while also bringing in an income. Our standard of living depends on the money we make, while employment often contributes to our self-image and self-esteem. Work-related problems can affect our physical, emotional, and mental health.

Employees tend to be happier and more hardworking when they are in a good working environment, particularly when they have strong working relationships. Group dynamics are important and can impact absenteeism and turnover rates.

Does work make you happy? Not always, especially if you’re in the developed world.

“Why am I never happy with any job?” There are surprising reasons: You’re looking for happiness in all the wrong places. You’re searching for a job that makes you rich, not happy. You have a “good job” that you hate but just can’t quit.

But wait, does this mean I’ll never be happy with any job? Not at all. In my experience, I was happy with most of my jobs—even when things weren’t perfect. It really came down to ensuring that my values aligned with the organization and that I received the “perks” that were most important to me.

As a retiree at 71, I have lived in the Philippines since 1999. I still enjoy writing and translating. I just can’t sit in my tropical garden or on the beach under some palm trees. But today is different. I shall breathe in and out at my favorite beach.

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Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook or Linkedin, or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.