There is much thought being given to what makes people happy at work. This is a response to the overwhelming evidence that many employees feel disengaged from their jobs. It's hard to feel happy when you feel disengaged.
Work can be stressful. As Joseph Campbell put it, “a life draining affair.” The right kind of stress helps you grow; past a tipping point that same stress can lead to burnout. One of the greatest antidotes to stress is a good laugh. As Abraham Lincoln said, “were it not for my little jokes, I cannot bear the burdens of this office.”
Finding happiness is not rocket science. It begins with personal choices we make. As Lincoln also said, “people are about as happy as they choose to be.” Do you decide, consciously, to be engaged and positive at work? Or do you take yourself too seriously and assume happiness is unprofessional? Many people in high-stress roles — police officers, firefighters, doctors, lawyers, and retail workers — maintain engaged attitudes, and the same can be true for owners, leaders, and managers.
Ways to increase your happiness at work
-
Put on a happy face. Start the day with the attitude that it will be engaging and productive. If you arrive in a sour mood, that energy spreads quickly; conversely, a positive attitude lifts the team and helps make everyone's day better.
-
Find what's motivating about your work. Look for meaning in the tasks you do. At some level most work contributes to others' well-being; understanding how your role makes a difference can increase motivation and satisfaction.
-
Find the humor in your work. As Andrew Carnegie said, “there is little success where there is little laughter.” When using humor, ask whether it's the right medium, aimed at the right audience, and used for the right purpose; if so, humor can relieve stress and build camaraderie.
-
Quit complaining. When we're rushed we nitpick and complain. Chronic complaining discourages others and erodes morale. The book Leadership and Self-Deception points out that while we may tell ourselves we encourage others, our actions can contradict that. Reflect on how many positive deposits you made last week and how you showed colleagues you care.
-
Surround yourself with happy people. That often starts in hiring. Ask what makes candidates enjoy their work and look for attitude fit. One leader I met asked applicants to submit a joke with their resume as a simple test of attention to instructions and tone; inappropriate humor or failure to follow the request revealed cultural fit issues.
Don Phin, Esq. is VP of Strategic Business Solutions at ThinkHR and has more than three decades of experience as an HR expert, author, and speaker, including years in employment practices litigation. For practical guidance on workplace issues, consult your company HR resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be happier in a stressful job?
Focus on what you can control: your attitude, priorities, and small daily habits like taking breaks and connecting with supportive coworkers.
Is humor appropriate at work?
Yes, when used thoughtfully — consider the audience, timing, and purpose so it relieves tension without offending anyone.
What if my manager or coworkers are negative?
Set clear boundaries, model positive behavior, and seek allies; if needed, discuss concerns with HR or look for roles with a better cultural fit.
Can hiring for attitude improve workplace happiness?
Yes; prioritizing attitude and cultural fit during hiring can reduce conflict and increase team engagement over time.