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Five Reasons to Love Where You Work!
September 22nd, 2008 by Janelle Vadnais

Why do most people hate where they work?  Why are so many of us miserable?  Recently, I came across an article written by Karl Staib in which he talked about the effect(s) of putting people in a design-friendly atmosphere in order to inspire excellent work.  After all, if the environment you work in is relaxing and comfortable, wouldn’t you look forward to going to work?  Kinda’ makes sense doesn’t it?

It’s Ok to Like Where You Work!

Have you ever seen images of the Google Offices over in Zurich?  It’s almost unreal.  I’m not saying that this is how other offices should model themselves, but it brings up a great point which is that it’s important to like where you work.  For some people, enjoying where you work isn’t just about the atmosphere; it’s about simply enjoying the type of work that you’re doing.

It all goes back to knowing what it is you like to do.  When you prepare to leave for work, are you excited about going?  Do you often think about the tasks that you will need to complete?  What goes through your mind?  Studies have shown and proven time and time again that happier employees are more productive employees.  And while this hasn’t yet translated into shorter workweeks or less hours worked per day (which would make the majority of us  happy), there are still ways to feel satisfied with what you do.  Here are five reasons to love where you work:

  1. You are fairly compensated for the work that you do (ie. you are not expected to work longer than is necessary).
  2. The work enviornment is kept clean (bathroom & kitchen areas are kept clean and there aren’t any problems with rodents or insects in the office area).
  3. You get along with the other employees (at least on a professional level).
  4. The design & overall layout of the office allows you to work comfortably (i.e. the desks/chairs are in good working order, there is ample lighting, etc.).
  5. Your supervisor is willing to make concessions regarding your basic needs and/or things that you may need (ie. different lighting, pens, keyboard, etc.)

These are just five reasons you should love where you work.  However, everyone is different- so if these don’t match up-it’s no big deal.  In the meantime, you should consider these and other reasons (I’m sure you can think of some) for how you can find happiness at work.  If you’re experiencing serious discontent with your job, perhaps it’s time to re-think your career…

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7 Responses  
Karl Staib - Work Happy Now writes:
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:10 am

We never really think about working the hours that we signed up for. Many salaried employees expect to work 40 hours a week (35 in France – lucky!). When they start it could be 45, 55 or even 65 hours for work that they actually do.

Limits are hard to set, but definitely something we should do and have more open conversations about.

Glen Allsopp writes:
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:33 am

I definitely think it is important to love your place of work, mainly because you are going to spend so much time there.

Great stuff!

Janelle writes:
September 22nd, 2008 at 7:43 am

I agree, Karl. I wonder what the effect would be on employment (if any) if applicants were told that they would be expected to work a 55+ workweek…Definitely a growing issue-especially as the economy is experiencing a downturn and employment is of concern to most Americans….

Sam writes:
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:20 am

It is time the old school of the managerial thinking changes in regards to employee’s psychological health and productivity in a work place.
As a Manager, my focus is the employee happiness in work and the respect he gets in the job and out…its our responsibilities as managers to train our self first in What I call the (NEW LEADERSHIP of “O&G)…
Learn how to study the individual behavior and comprehend the difference in sociology By being A team player and provide opportunities to those who deserve.

We should take examples from Google, regarding the care & the healthier atmosphere
They provide to their employees.

Vered - MomGrind writes:
September 23rd, 2008 at 4:07 pm

Too many people jump into the conclusion that they need to be self employed in order to be happy. Of course, being self employed is a great option. But there ARE jobs out there that are wonderful. People CAN be employees and be happy, well compensated and have free time for themselves and their families.

Thank you for a thought-provoking article!

Janelle writes:
September 24th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

@ Glen…I agree!

@ Sam…Seeing as how you’re coming from a managerial role, I really appreciate what you have to say. That being said, how comfortable would you truly feel regarding allowing employees to work less hours or perhaps only coming in 4 days versus 5 a week? It seems that there is still a huge trust issue there between employer and employee…

@ Vered- You bring up another really great point. I, too, think that many of us begin to feel exasperated after a while of working under someone whom we have to ask for vacation time or to leave early, etc. For this reason (and others), I think that a lot of people prefer to “be their own boss” and for them, the benefits are greater.

Dave Jones, CPA writes:
September 25th, 2008 at 11:51 am

I am an accountant and do not really like what I do. Its plain boring!! However with that being said, all five of your points apply to me. Add in that my office is walking distance from my house and I have great benefits and retirement, I would be almost insane to leave or would I? Oh well without a total career change in my mid 40’s with a family at home which I do not totally advocate, I might as well try and at least like where I work it beats the alternative.

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