New Year’s Resolutions For Happiness In The Workplace

For many people, a new year is the opportunity to turn the page and start a new beginning.

No matter if the last year was good or bad, the future ahead feels fresh and leaves room for new goals and projects. Since people spend a big part of their lives in the workplace, it is not surprising that new resolutions are career-related. Who wouldn’t want to get a promotion, a new contract, or a new exciting job?

We are often told that if we work harder, we will be more successful, and that if we are successful, then we will be happier. Shawn Achor, positive psychology researcher and author, suggests that this formula of success is backward. “Every time we are successful, we merely move the goalposts of what success looks likes. Happiness actually fuels success, not the other way around!” Achor strongly belives that if we can find a way to get our brain to become more positive, our success rate will increase, and as a result, work will become more productive, enjoyable, and rewarding.

When you love what you do, you feel more motivated and engaged. Ask yourself a few questions about your professional well being. Are you passionate about your job? Could you consider a career change? How do you feel about your tasks, are they well-defined? Do you benefit from flexible working hours? Does your salary allow you to meet your needs? Do you update your skills with ongoing training? Do you get along with your colleagues?

The answer to that last question is of paramount importance. One of the most effective way to boost your happiness is to strengthen your relationships. The human factor is fundamental to success and is ranked among the highest work retention drivers.

Here are a few tips to foster your relationships with your colleagues and be happier at work:

• Recognize. Take the time to express thanks to your colleagues more often.
• Take part in the activities at the office. Take advantage of your lunch breaks to organize various bonding activities, like lunch & learns, exercise sessions, restaurants, etc.
• Organize activities outside of work. Organize evenings, volunteering, suppers, etc.
• Support a cause together. Gather your team around a social cause to strengthen your relations.
• Have an open mind. This is a crucial quality to grow professionally.