As discussed in Part I, striving to be “on the job happy” is a legitimate, and worthy goal. After all, your employer hired you because you were the best person for the job; shouldn’t the company reciprocate with the best job experience for the employee? Here are 5 more components to consider on the subject of; Achieving Happiness
On The Job:
6. Transparency of Company Leadership: Aside from the need for job security and career advancement opportunities, employees want to be a part of a workplace culture that puts a premium on delivering the truth. They desire their leaders to be proactive in sharing where the company is headed, and to be forthright about its future. Still today, some executives adopt the policy that important information about the company is “none of your business,” and it can be hard to argue that the company’s challenges are your problem. However, the best leaders will explain to their employees (to the extent that they can legally and ethically) what they plan to do, and their intentions behind those plans. In other words, employees just want transparency so they can plan for the future and have a sense of job security for themselves.
7. The Work Needs To Be Meaningful: One of the most important components of “on the job happiness” is meaningful work! Chances are you will find meaning in your work, either because it’s your chosen field, or you have developed a vested interest in the company’s mission. And, as we grow more aware of social and environmental issues of the times, we become more interested in having our work align with those causes. However, even in highly mission-oriented fields, a lack of support and recognition (or the tolerance of people acting contrary to the organization’s values) can derail the sense of a purpose in one’s chosen occupation.
8. Being Part Of A United Team: When employees work together to accomplish a goal, everyone benefits. And, the ability to work as part of a team is one of the most important skills in today’s job market. Employers are looking for people who can contribute their own ideas, but can also work well with others to create and develop projects and plans. For companies that adopt a more “go-it-alone” philosophy, they can deprive their employees of the professional growth, accomplishments, and happiness that occurs when we “very social creatures” have the right conditions for collaboration.
9. The Opportunity For Employee Leadership: When employees are involved in making decisions, or offered leadership opportunities, they gain a professional and personal stake in the organization, and its overall success. This commitment leads to increased productivity, because when employees are actively participating in various aspects of the company’s operation – they wish to see their efforts succeed overall. In addition, leaders are often pleasantly surprised by the answers, when asking employees if they have any ideas about how meetings, processes or protocols could be conducted differently.
10. Professional Development and Continued Education: Whether it is to help them become more proficient in their current position, or prepares them for a better chance at a promotion, acquiring additional skills and knowledge is key to the success of today’s employee. And, the benefits of continuing education do not stop with the employee. Employers that provide employees with continuing education benefits stand to gain in a variety of ways – since an educated, high-quality workforce will help the organization achieve long-term viability and profitability. Point being, if there are opportunities at your company – training, chances to collaborate, someone you’d like to recruit as a mentor – do it! If your résumé is not strong enough to command optimal success in your chosen career – take some classes, target some key accomplishments, and build your credentials.
The take away here? Never underestimate the importance of working with leaders and managers who are interested in your personal well being and happiness on the job. Simply put, the better your company supports you, the more motivated you will be to accomplish goals that advance both the firm, as well as your own professional success!