Becoming Happier at Work
As part of my personal project for this year, I will be penning down my personal reflections and thoughts on topics that matters most to me. I will begin with a series on Happiness at Work. 

Work has become almost a “second home” for most of us working adults. We spend most of our waking hours at work; therefore, it is important that we are happy at work. Also, research has shown that happiness at work leads to a happy and fulfilling life.

One of the criteria for happiness at work is the quality of work and the workplace environment. There are several factors that would affect our happiness.

Firstly, it is how we define meaning in our work. Do we experience a sense of purpose at work? The purpose and meaning is clearer for people working in helping professions, such as doctors, policemen, and teachers. It is less straightforward for other jobs, but there are still definitely some meanings in them too. Reframe your current job to find meaning in it (I am helping others by providing customer service, solving problems etc).

Secondly, work satisfaction is found in accomplishments at work. Do you achieve personal or company goals/achievements? We are all striving for approval and recognition at work, by getting recognized for our contributions and mastery at work, it helps us get through the mundane aspects at our job and motivates us to strive harder.

Thirdly, and most important criteria of all, is the relationships we form at work. Given the long hours we spend at the workplace, we would have forged some work friends. We should all work towards cultivating quality relationships with our colleagues, supervisors, and bosses. Our relationships at work, contributes significantly to our happiness levels. Studies have shown that the greatest amount of stress and dissatisfaction at work is caused by bad relationships at work.

If you were objectively review your current state, how do you fare on these 3 factors? Is it something you are pleased with? What are some decisions you have to make to increase where you are by 1 notch? Start with something small to set yourself up for success instead of failure. As the ancient goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. What's going to be your first step?