Five Elements for a Happier Job(Life)

Jobs have been described as interesting, challenging, lucrative, boring and even dreamy (as in dream job), but I haven’t heard one described as being particularly happy or making anyone happy.

I recently facilitated a strategic planning session for a client, and in my research I came across the company Zappos, which makes the list of just about every “Top Place to Work” or “Fastest Growing Company” list. It was an interesting article because of its founder, Tony Hsieh, and how he grew his on-line shoe business into a multi-billion dollar company by making work fun. One of the questions he posed to the writer of the article is one he uses in interviews as well – “What would make you happier in your life?”

I asked the group this question in the planning session, and it was interesting that no one listed “more work” as one of the things on their list. Actually, time off from work made the list quite often. If you are looking for a job, you most likely are going to spend eight to 10 hours a day at the actual workplace and some additional commute time, so why not make happiness part of your search criteria. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure you are going to make a good choice. Working for a company that makes you happy deserves some consideration.

1. You would spend time there even if you were not scheduled to work. This has a lot to do with the physical work environment. I worked on probably the most beautiful island on the East Coast, and just loved being there. It was unique and a little quirky, but going to work was an adventure.

3. The company culture and values are a “fit.” In the case of Zappos, the company’s core values were determined by an interesting process by the management team. Every other business decision, such as making policies, hiring, or how they treat customers has to be in line with those core values. When your own values are a fit with the company, there is less stress and room for happiness.

4. The company’s reputation in the industry. I worked for Marriott Corporation at their headquarters for five years, and I will never forget my orientation. At the end of a day of touring, meetings and a great lunch, we watched a video with lots of images of happy employees from around the world, all set to Barbara Streisand’s song “People.” I just about cried. I was so proud to be a part of that organization. They were a leader in the hotel industry, with a great reputation for customer service and employee appreciation. They consistently are high on the list of the best places to work.

5. Work is part of a happy life. Work-life balance is tough, because there are times when one will have to win out over the other. But if your co-workers and leaders respect you, are willing to support you and help you learn from your mistakes (and you will do the same) your work can truly contribute to a happier life.

 

What would you add to the list? Let us know what would make your life happier in the comments section.

 

 

 

Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for communicationsjobs.net. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at communicationsjobsblog.com and view additional job postings on Nexxt.