How to be happier at work in 2024

With all the hustle that comes with work, it’s easy to neglect wellbeing. But, as the near year approaches, it’s the ideal time to do a mental check-in. Happiness at work is a must-have; it enhances productivity, job satisfaction and overall well-being. 

And, thankfully, happiness isn’t a mere illusion. Here are some concrete and actionable steps to help you unlock the path to happiness at work. 

1. Set goals

Being target-driven can make you happier at work in 2024. Setting and pursuing clear professional goals gives a sense of purpose and direction. Gradually achieving these targets creates a sense of fulfilment which can boost your happiness at work. 

This coming year, set professional goals for yourself. This could be to sharpen your skills, achieve some form of professional certification or to land that promotion or job change you’ve been working toward. 

Consider signing up for certification courses, seminars, workshops and conferences. The learning and development process can expand your skills and equip you for greater responsibilities.    

2. Achieve work-life balance

Conversations about how to be happy at work aren’t complete without a mention of work-life balance. Work-life balance is crucial to mental health and overall well-being at work because it ensures that work doesn’t encroach on other areas of your life.  

To achieve a good work-life balance, try to only work within the designated work hours; implement this practice even if you have a flexible work schedule. Don’t form the habit of always “being on”.  

When you have too much on your plate, consider turning down additional tasks when possible. This can save you from feeling overwhelmed and stretching yourself thin. Moreso, it will allow you to immerse yourself in the current tasks you have.

Make time for yourself as well as your friends and family. Use your paid time off and make optimal use of your weekends. They’re priceless opportunities to unwind, link up with loved ones and explore personal interests.       

3. Shift your mindset

One of the secrets to happiness at work is reframing your mindset.

To be happy at work, it’s important to adopt a positive outlook. Positivity doesn’t mean being in denial about unpleasant realities. Instead, it implies understanding that  

• There’s more to life than the current worry
• Every cloud has a silver lining 
• Events can be interpreted differently 
• Negative inner voices are mere distractions

If you look closely, there’s always something to be thankful for. Practice gratitude. Make a list of your accomplishments and what you appreciate about your job. 

Additionally, recognise that your work has meaning regardless of your industry. Even if you feel your role is minor, know that your efforts are beneficial to the organisation and society at large in one way or another.

Being happier at work requires mental fortitude. Things can get uncomfortable in both professional and personal spaces. Knowing this and bracing for impact will reduce anxiety and frustration if things don’t go as planned.    

4. Prioritise health

In the words of award-winning author Frank Sonnenberg, happiness is not just a state of mind, but a state of body. To be happier at work next year, make your health a priority.

A good starting point is nutrition. Research shows that nutritional deficiencies can cause low mood, fatigue, irritability and other symptoms of depression. Eat healthy; opt for meals that nourish, satisfy and energise your body. 

Hydration is crucial to good health too. It enhances mental clarity and focus which contribute to happiness. It’s important to drink water regularly to meet your body’s daily hydration needs. 

It’s necessary to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Exercise releases endorphins—feel-good chemicals—that make you happy. It can also enhance your strength and ability to handle your daily tasks. An outdoor walk during breaks, especially if the sun is out, is a good way to get movin’!

Sleep and happiness are also linked; low sleep quality has been found to affect self-evaluated happiness and life satisfaction adversely. Get into a habit of getting a good night’s sleep. A healthy sleep routine keeps you well-rested and rejuvenated for the workday ahead.           

5. Maintain good relationships at work

Building good relationships with your colleagues at work can contribute to your happiness. One pointer to achieving this is to be friendly with everyone. Avoid cliques and gossip. Also, try to adjust communication styles to suit each person’s personality. 

Greet your colleagues when you arrive at work, request assistance politely and thank them for their help thereafter. Offer praise when it’s deserved and give constructive feedback.

Check on your team members occasionally and get to know them personally. Participate in group events to form a stronger bond with your colleagues. This can birth genuine friendships—a crucial factor in happiness at work.      

6. Lend a hand

Another secret to happiness at work is lending a hand; it’s good to be good. Studies on altruism reveal that it enhances the well-being of those who practise it. Assist your colleagues when you can, and seek out ways to make a difference. 

You can take it further by donating to charity. If your organisation donates to a corporate charity or supports a particular cause, consider contributing regularly. At Good Grants, we give back to our communities through the Pledge 1% movement; all team members are welcome to support such initiatives.  

Helping others is good for mental health.

Workplace happiness is neither a myth nor a luxury. These tips will ensure that you are happy at work regardless of the hustle. Positivity in the workplace will create a richer and more fulfilling work experience.