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Something that you loved doing. There’s a clear link between happiness at work and productivity. This only leaves the question of causation: Does being productive make us happy or does being happy make us productive? The answer is, of course, yes! The link goes both ways. therefore more efficient at everything they do. 5: Happy people are more optimistic
You should start by liking what you do.
Happy people have a more positive,
want to be more productive, the very best thing you can do is focus on being happy with what you do?
optimistic outlook, and as research shows
at work and thereby increasing your
(particularly Martin Seligman’s work in
productivity.
So how do you get to be happy at work? There are two ways, really: 1. Get happy in the job you have. There
positive psychology), optimists are way more successful and productive. It’s the old
But the link is strongest from happiness to productivity – which means that it if you
9: Happy people worry less about
are about a million things you can
saying “Whether you believe you can or
making mistakes – and consequently
do to improve your work situation –
believe you can’t, you’re probably right” all
make fewer mistakes
provided you choose to do something,
over again.
When you’re happy at work the occasional
rather than wait for someone else
mistake doesn’t bother you much. You pick 6: Happy people are way more
to come along and do it for you.
yourself up, learn from it and move on.
2. Find a new job where you can be happy.
motivated
You also don’t mind admitting to others
If your current job is not fixable, don’t
Low motivation means low productivity,
that you screwed up – you simply take
wait – move on now!
and the only sustainable, reliable way to be
responsibility, apologize and fix it. This
motivated at work is to be happy and like
relaxed attitude means that less mistakes
what you do.
are made, and that you’re more likely to learn from them.
About Alexander Kjerulf
7: Happy people get sick less often Getting sick is a productivity killer and if
10: Happy people make better decisions Unhappy people operate in permanent
happy at work. No,
to contract a long list of diseases including
crisis mode. Their focus narrows, they
really, he does! He
ulcers, cancer and diabetes. You’re also
lose sight of the big picture, their survival
speaks and consults
more prone to workplace stress and
instincts kick in and they’re more likely
in businesses all over
burnout.
to make short-term, here-and-now choices.
the world, showing
Conversely, happy people make better,
executives, managers
strain on the health of 21,290 female
more informed decisions and are better
and employees how to change workplaces
nurses in the US and found that the women
able to prioritize their work.
from dreary and stressful to more fun,
One study assessed the impact of job
most at risk of ill health were those who
energized and happy. And profitable! He
didn’t like their jobs. The impact on their
The upshot
is the author of Happy Hour is 9 to 5, a
health was a great as that associated with
Think back to a situation where you
practical guide to making yourself and others
smoking and sedentary lifestyles.
felt that you were at peak performance.
happy at work. He also runs a blog called
A situation where your output was among
„Positive Sharing - Chief Happiness Officer”.
the highest and best it’s ever been. I’m
Visit Alex’s blog - „Positive Sharing”
When you’re happy and relaxed, you’re
willing to bet that you were working
Visit this article’s online version
much more open to learning new things
at something that made you happy.
Get Alex’s book: „Happy Hour is 9 to 5”
8: Happy people learn faster
16
Alex makes people
you don’t like your job you’re more prone
#01/2008 www.prodictivemagazine.com
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