Workplace wellbeing: Tips for loving what you do
With up to a third of our lives spent in the office, it pays to be happy at work says Workplace Psychology Expert Sue Langley.
It’s estimated we spend about a third of our lives at work. For the average person that’s 90,000 hours in a lifetime.
If you dislike your job that’s a whole lot of unhappy hours!
However, workplace psychology expert Sue Langley says even if we’re not head over heels in love with our roles, there are many ways to bring enjoyment to our jobs and improve our workplace wellbeing.
“For most people just quitting isn’t an option unless they are independently wealthy, so it’s about bringing positive emotion to your day and your team,” she advises.
“Make a decision to show up as the best version of yourself and see what happens. Find a way to use your strengths every day, regardless of the task.
“Build relationships at work, these can help when you are having bad days, and find a way to link your values and a sense of meaning to what you do.”
Be the change you want to see
Sue, who is CEO of the Langley Group and an expert on workplace psychology, says the challenge for us as individuals is not just waiting for our organisations to make things better for us, but to take charge ourselves.
“Think about how you might be able to introduce strategies that will help you to show up more frequently as a happier you and take some ownership,” she recommends.
Don’t buy into the negatives
She also warns about buying into the ‘complaining culture’ of many workplaces.
“In Australia, we seem to have a culture that we’re not meant to enjoy our jobs. Phrases like ‘hump day’ and ‘TGI Friday’ are everywhere and add to the feeling that we just don’t want to be at work.
“Some people might be in their dream jobs but are too afraid to say so for fear of being ostracised.”
Sue says research suggests we are more likely to express anger and frustration at work than joy and happiness, so it’s important to start sharing the positives and encourage others.
“It’s in your hands – move away from the negative energisers and be a positive influence!”
Engaged employees achieve more
Sue says for organisations too, it’s important to focus on the wellbeing of employees.
“The evidence is in – positive and engaged workers are more productive and are key to the success of their companies,” she says.
“Wellbeing at work has become more and more important for organisations. We know that when people are happier and healthier at work, they are more engaged and more productive.
“Many organisations are introducing wellbeing programmes and focusing on employee engagement as more and more research comes out confirming what we already know ourselves.”
She says there are many things organisations can do such as focusing on a strengths based approach to performance discussion and using positive communications in meetings for example, to encourage a happier workplace.
How to find and keep a positive attitude
Still not convinced? Sue has three top tips for all of those among us hoping to achieve a little workplace nirvana:
- Watch your language. “Negative language rewires our brain,” she warns. “It’s time to speak about your work in a more positive way. You’ll be surprised at the results.”
- Start focusing on your strengths. “Recognise the times that you are energised and work out how to do more of the things related to your strengths,” she says. “Or use your strengths to help you with the things you don’t enjoy.”
- Be a positive energiser. “Ask yourself the question – do I energise a room more when I enter it or when I leave it. Only you can turn this around.”
Catch up on the full episode of The House of Wellness TV show to see more from Giaan, Ed, and the team.
