Happiness with Work and the Workplace

Arthur C. Brooks is a behavioral social scientist at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Business School, a best-selling author, speaker, and a contributor to The Atlantic and host of The Atlantic’s “How to Build a Happy Life” podcast series.

It was pure coincidence I came upon some podcast interviews. His discussions, all with scholars taking a variety of perspectives, focuses on happiness, what it is, and how to reach it.

The conversations had me thinking, what creates one’s happiness with work and the workplace? Are the organizations’ missions and goals focusing on the right things, in the correct order, or delivering the optimum outcome?

The pandemic continues to challenge employers and employees to function in new ways. In many places it was the first time anyone thought about workers’ comfort at home, personal obligations, and health. People became the essential factor and suddenly increased in value with greater needs.Was it those after-hours Zoom wine parties, the games, relaxed dress codes, or lack of commuting that made people happy? Probably not (though research shows there was some new-found happiness despite the struggles). What is it?

Ask yourself “Am I happy in my work?” “Does the culture and environment of my workplace allow for happiness?” “Why do I work there?”

The questions bring to the forefront the need and appreciation of purpose, individual, and that of the group.

If the company’s purpose revolves around money, power, pleasure, and/or fame, there is a good chance true happiness is not present or possible. It is most evident when leaders foster an elitist, segregated culture. They measure hours worked rather than ideas shared. They show little or no appreciation except maybe with tangible rewards and take all credit. Most important, they talk the walk, but never encourage or allow a purpose driven environment. Their goals are short term, vulnerable in many ways, and never truly met. They may be experiencing pleasure but surely not happiness because of a lack of authentic purpose. All these misguided beliefs and behaviors impact your sense and ability to achieve happiness.

True purpose is people focused. It operates in a genuine way. Providing a workplace that brings satisfaction to workers and is clear and consistent with their purpose attracts the best, retains the best, and gets the most in return.

Brooks reminded me of the story of the three bricklayers. One tells us he is placing a brick, the other says he is building a wall, while the third sees himself as building a cathedral. People with deep purpose want that largest view and strive to give it in a way that will positively impact others as well as themselves. Accomplishment comes from those with purpose.

Research tells us you are most likely to experience happiness from your work when:

Given autonomy: Not micro-managed, are heard and listened to, permitted to use your approach or style of work, and given credit.

Satisfied you are in control: Informed, confident you can do the work, see consistency, can operate with the believe those above you have your interests in mind. Everything is free of drama and politics.

Experience progress: There is a career path with a plan, mentors, advocates, and opportunities to grow. You see others advance and have role models to admire and aspire to become.

Feel connected: You have a sense you belong and are an important part of something bigger. People care about you and care about others. Everyone pitches in, hierarchy is less evident particularly in difficult times. Successes are celebrated. Chances for accidental encounters and light-hearted interactions are part of the workday. Everyone says “we” more than “I.” There is pride in being a part of this special group of people.

Finding purpose that ultimately leads to happiness with work and the workplace is not easy but very rewarding. It takes time, demands courage, requires vulnerability, and some toleration of missteps. Time free of distractions, using all aspects of your creativity, helps solidify purpose. The prize is big and can be long-lasting. It starts with people, ends with people, and you are the self-appointed person.