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5 Things That Really Make Us Happy at Work

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Ask anyone what would make them like their job, and the first thing out of their mouths will be, “More money.” No, seriously — we’ve done studies. The problem is, research shows that more money — beyond a certain point — doesn’t actually equal more happiness. So what does?

happy at work 

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1. A better boss.

Do You Know What You're Worth?

Bad managers are the number one reason why people quit their jobs, and no wonder: your boss has a huge influence on your day-to-day life, controlling everything from the money you make to the hours you work. Just ask anyone who’s ever worked for a yeller.

2. A flexible schedule.

No surprises, here: working parents, especially mothers, are happier if they can work part-time, have more time with their kids, or otherwise have a schedule that contributes to their work-life balance.

3. Mindfulness.

“Mindfulness practice has been linked to activating parts of the brain correlated with constructs of well-being such as happiness, joy and enhanced self-awareness,” writes Judy Martin at Forbes.

Meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg, author of Real Happiness at Work: Meditations for Accomplishment, Achievement, and Peace, says that mindfulness can make workers better at their jobs and happier in their personal lives.

4. Exercise.

Working out relieves stress and can improve your overall health, which will make you more productive at work and improve your perception of both your job and your life. You don’t necessarily need a gym membership to reap the benefits: even an occasional walk outside can improve your happiness.

5. Better organization.

Getting organized gives you real control over your surroundings, because you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for whenever you need it. It also might improve the impression your co-workers and boss have of you, which will contribute to making you happier and more successful at work.

Tell Us What You Think

What makes you happy at work? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.

Jen Hubley Luckwaldt
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Adam Yew
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Adam Yew

My Top 3 reasons, good money, good boss and job competency. The tasks required should not be daunting.

Rahul Singh
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Rahul Singh

Good Article depicting ideal situation. Unfortunately in our country (India)  it is very rare to find such a job. I my self am practicing the above points shared in the article. Every body is chasing after money loosing sleep, peace, time for self and family and above all paying a heavy price in terms of bad health.

It is good to be ambitious, but bad if one is over ambitious leading to all the pitfalls.

Pete Sheridan
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Pete Sheridan

Trust (or lack thereof)

I think having a boss or superior that you simply can’t trust is a factor. It was for me without question.

What Am I Worth?

What your skills are worth in the job market is constantly changing.