Happiness in the Workplace

An article on workplace happiness has much to say to those of us who are considering new employment, are just out of school and looking to apply our learning, or are in some way considering a change in our work environment. This got me wondering about those of us who are working and intend to stay with the employer we have. What can we do to create more satisfaction for ourselves?

One fairly simple way is to decide what we have control over and put our energy into those areas. I can't count the number of times I've been trying to push back the tide in the workplace- trying to change someone's behaviour, lobbying for my vision of how things should be, challenging workplace rules and procedures, etc., and suddenly realized these are situations over which I have little or no control.

I figure there are three possibilities in any situation...either I have absolute control (I'm the one who decides), I have some control (so I need to figure out what part(s) I have control over), or I have absolutely no control (think uncollaborative boss or the weather). I find it very helpful in the thick of interaction with others to stop for a moment and consider what is within my control. In the most confusing situations this allows me to focus on the best place to put my efforts and to recognize the black holes that await my senseless struggle.

The really great result of this strategy is that I can often sit back, consciously decide not to participate, and just watch the drama without getting all caught up in it.