Management Perspectives

To work is human. Work is a central part of humankind, with an average of one-third of a person’s life spent at work. But does everyone enjoy a happy workplace? State of the Global Workplace Report 2024 by Gallup, a multinational analytics and management consultancy company, finds that 41 per cent of the global workforces feel stressed at work.

Another similar finding by an American HR solutions company, BambooHR, reveals that employees’ global happiness index has been declining year after year and in 2023 it drastically fell by 9 per cent. The story is not different at home in India: about 25 per cent employees have a sense of alienation in their current workplace, according to a recent public survey by ISS India.

Is job hopping the solution?

Expectations, lack of support, low authority, interpersonal issues, unclear roles, and organisation changes are the major causes for workplace stress. Quitting is the easiest way if you feel the workplace is uncongenial. In fact, job hopping, the practice of changing jobs, is becoming increasingly common. But there is a catch. Finding a job that aligns with your skills and goals is challenging in today’s competitive environment. Even if you find one, it may not turn out to be the paradise you imagine. Changing the employer in hurried manner may land you in an even unhealthier workplace. Perhaps, adopting yourself to the present job climate can bring you a more positive work experience. This can help you either stay with your current employer or at least maintain your composure until you find another better job

The happiness equation

It is not just organisations that have to strive for a conducive work environment, workers too need to do it. As Harvard Business Review puts it, workplace happiness is a two-way street and if it is achieved it is win-win for both the employees and employers. Undoubtedly, organisations worldwide are doing their part by implementing strategies to provide better employee experience. As an employee, there are many ways you can keep cool yourself and thereby contribute to creating workplace happiness. Here are two:

Focus drives work engagement

In avifauna, there is a classification of birds called ‘waders’ which comprises over 200 species of birds such as sandpipers, plovers and stints. Waders that usually inhabit along the shorelines are known for their ability to forage in mud. Finding food from such a challenging environment isn’t an easy job: First, their prey remains obscure amidst the mud; second, their legs often get stuck in the soft and sticky soil, impeding their mobility; then the flowing currents dislodge the prey and destabilise the birds themselves. Undeterred, the waders press on with their essential task of finding food.

Their success hinges on two elements: Staying focused and using their special characteristics (their sensitive bill nerve helps to detect the hidden prey and their long thin legs and agile toes facilitate navigation with stability). From workload to lack of support, bullying, and team politics, you may find plenty of reasons at work to worry about. The first step to recovering from this negative environment is recognising that you are in an unfavorable situation and you are stressed.

Then, like the birds wading ahead ignoring obstacles, focus diligently on your assignment with enthusiasm. Besides, just as the waders capitalize their traits leverage your strengths to increase your job engagement.

Embrace changes

Producing ice is a refrigerator’s job. However, its productivity varies seasonally, with higher output in summer and lower in winter. To adapt to this, refrigerators offer modes like summer, winter, and monsoon. Owners must adjust the mode for optimal performance, but many are unaware or forget to do so. Consequently, the refrigerator either overworks or underperforms, leading to increased energy consumption or ice shortages. Can you guess who will be blamed for this disarray? Of course, the refrigerator.

The owner never accepts his negligence but will simply say, “the fridge is not good.”.Conversely, modern-day refrigerators come with automatic temperature control system. Taking cue from the circumstances, such smart refrigerators adapt themselves to the ongoing circumstances. You may be a tireless worker. But, your energy and productivity become meaningless when it is not recognised.

You may even be blamingly labelled as ‘audacious’. So, like the modern fridge, align yourself with the prevailing circumstances or system and expend energy only as much as is required. Do not overexert yourself where ‘being ambitious’ is seen as a problem. Change the mode that best suits the situation. Similarly, whenever you are led to underperformance, bounce back to prove your worth by identifying the root cause and prioritising tasks. Remember, you are adjusting only your performance given the circumstances but not compromising with your integrity or standards.

Orient yourself

Feeling apathetic about your job can increase daily stress, worry, and negative emotions. Instead, finding meaning in your work and positive work relationships can boost daily enjoyment and reduce negativity. Focusing on your tasks and goals while adjusting your expectations and reactions is the key to maintaining a positive outlook, even in a hostile workplace. Various factors contribute to workplace happiness; nevertheless an individual’s perspective plays a crucial role. Because, happiness lies within.