How can I be Happy at my Job?

BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|

This question is perhaps one of the many we ask ourselves when we have situations in our work that pressure us to the point of wanting to quit, yell or take it out on colleagues. This situation is produced by the lack of emotional stability to analyze situations and develop correct answers, especially keeping our work environment and our mental health stable. 

According to Trading Economics [1] , the employment rate in the United States increased to 60% in July from 59.90% in June of 2022. The industries with the highest and lowest changes in rates of employment were: +3.46% scenic and sightseeing transportation, +2.95% water transportation, +1.67% support activities for mining, +1.63% other information services and, +1.57% oil and gas extraction. -0.48% clothing and accessories stores, -0.55% broadcasting (except internet), -0.60% textile mills, -0.75% activities related to credit intermediation and -0.75% business support services [2] .

We can analyze all these figures in different ways, but what matters to us is to highlight,  according the latest information, the human capital that makes the work possible and the state of workers’ mental health. Are they happy in their jobs? If not, why not?

To start with, it is important ask ourselves: Why does job satisfaction matter? “When employees are satisfied with their careers, they usually align with the company’s goals and mission. An employee who supports the company’s mission will be loyal and more likely to spread only good things about the company to friends and family [3] ”. In conclusion, if someone feels happy, relaxed, valued and motivated, his or her performance increases.

Let us once again translate this premise into figures. According to Pew Research Center [4] , about 49% of Americans workers say they are very satisfied with their current job. Three-in-ten are somewhat satisfied, and the remainder say they are somewhat dissatisfied (9%) or very dissatisfied (6%). Job satisfaction varies by household income, education and key job characteristics. In addition, the way people feel about their job spills over into their views of other aspects of their lives and their overall sense of happiness.

Apollo Technical Engineered Talent Solutions [5]  presents us the most satisfying jobs in the world: clergy, chiropractor, chief executive, dentist, conservation scientist, medical and health services manager, firefighter, human resources manager, physician, nurse, physical therapist, teachers, software developer, psychologist and surgeons [6] . Did you fit into this list? If not, you can still be happy with your work, we will tell you how.

Future Learn [7]  points out 12 keys ingredients for job satisfaction:

  1. Job security: worrying about whether or not you will have a job in six months is stressful. Just relax; the right job will come to you.
  2. Working conditions: If your workplace is a pleasant space to spend time, where you receive constructive feedback without harassment, you will feel more at ease in the job and, therefore, more satisfied.
  3. Pay and benefits: Benefits can feel more personal than a pay packet and usually add value beyond a paycheck to a role.
  4. Communication: for many employees, it is important to be able to communicate openly with their managers when they have concerns, complaints or are dealing with personal matters.
  5. Recognition: Can include bonuses, financial or otherwise, or can be as simple as being appreciated by fellow employees and the boss.
  6. Career development: This can include having plans and routes for promotions, or built-in ways to improve skills and study for new qualifications in line with their desired career progression.
  7. Variety: Employees are usually more satisfied when they have the opportunity to participate in interesting and challenging projects.
  8. Acknowledging employee differences: No one likes to be treated as just a number or a statistic, we would all much rather be treated as individuals.
  9. Company values: If companies encourage charity, fundraising or if they are committed to good environmental practices, for example, employees are more likely to be satisfied with the company they work for because it aligns with their values.
  10. Human contact: Many people want to work for companies or in roles where they help others.
  11. Work-life balance: Respecting this and providing support to encourage a healthy work-life balance add to employees feeling valued.
  12. Respect for illness: Most people will only become ill once or twice a year for a few days, but sometimes people are ill for longer, or more often.

In conclusion, try to fit into a job that makes you happy, check your strengths and weaknesses and try to improve for your personal and professional growth. The increase in your productivity will make a significant difference to your team and the company. At the same time, companies should endeavor to have employees “want” to stay rather than “have” to stay [8] .

References


 [1]https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/employment-rate

 [2]https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/jobs-numbers/

 [3]https://www.apollotechnical.com/job-satisfaction-statistics/#1-why-does-job-satisfaction-matter

 [4]https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2016/10/06/3-how-americans-view-their-jobs/

 [5]https://www.apollotechnical.com/job-satisfaction-statistics/#1-why-does-job-satisfaction-matter

 [6]https://www.apollotechnical.com/job-satisfaction-statistics/#1-why-does-job-satisfaction-matter

 [7]https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/what-is-job-satisfaction#:~:text=If%20employees%20are%20happy%20and,on%20productivity%20outcomes%2C%20on%20average.

 [8]https://hbr.org/1973/07/why-employees-stay

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