Finding Happiness at Work Requires Looking Beyond Just the Salary

It may be a cliché, but the phrase, money doesn’t buy happiness, is popular for a very good reason. Often, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race. We believe that once we have reached certain milestones, achieved that prestigious title and started earning the big money, then we will feel fulfilled and happy in life. However, more often than not this falls far from the truth. 

The thing is with human beings, happiness comes from within and it has very little to do with external factors and circumstances. Don’t get me wrong, having enough money to feel comfortable in life and to not have to worry or struggle is important. Life is much more difficult when we don’t have what we need to cover the basics. But anything more than this often makes no difference to our true happiness.

With this said, on average people spend around one-third of their lives working – making it very difficult for us to achieve happiness if we aren’t happy at work. So, what should we be searching for to really feel like we’ve made it in our careers and begin on the path to happiness? The answer is to stop focusing so much on salary and instead look to these key principles:

Long Term Career Growth

Becoming stagnant in a role is one of the biggest causes of dissatisfaction at work. When considering a new opportunity, or if you’re looking to add a little more excitement to the work you already do, consider the potential growth of your role. Think about the skills you would like to learn, the path you would like to take and the opportunities you can create within the business.

Many modern companies offer their employees plenty of freedom and happily encourage new ideas or even new qualifications and courses.

The best way to ensure you are on track with your personal growth it to have a long-term plan. Write down your career goals over the next five to ten years and the steps you need to take to get there. Of course, we can’t plan everything in life, things take unexpected turns, but it is much easier to reach a certain destination once you’ve pre-planned a route.

Company’s Impact on Society

In the modern world, a job is no longer just something we do in order to put food on the table. Instead, people look for work that makes a difference to society. Roles that make a positive impact, whether locally or globally, generally provide better work appreciation overall.

Choose a company that promotes equality and inclusivity; that has strong wellbeing policies; are concerned with ethical practises and their impact on the planet or simply just strive to make life better for everyone. These are the things that can seriously increase job satisfaction. It creates a sense of pride, bringing that warm fuzzy glow knowing you work for one of the good guys.

The Value you Feel in the Role

If there’s one thing we all need in life, it is purpose. If you don’t love what you do, you don’t feel a sense of achievement or appreciation for the work you do, then you’re definitely doing the wrong work. Purpose is the reason we get up in the morning. It’s what keeps us from having to drag ourselves into the office day after day. It is essentially the source of happiness at work.

Think about what you would do if you could choose any career path you liked? Does it currently align with what you do? Does it even come close? If the answer is no, ask yourself, is it time to change course. If you’re not sure of the dream job right now, think about your strengths. What is it you are really good at? The answer is usually a good indicator of the direction you should be heading in and the type of work you would ultimately enjoy.

Life is too short to do something you gain no value or purpose from, no matter how hefty the pay.

The Work Life Balance

Finally, consider your work-life balance. If you’re a slave to your work, what are you actually working for? Money is only useful if you have the time and freedom to spend it. If you’re neglecting your family, friends and responsibilities outside of work, something needs to give. What’s more, if you have no time for yourself, your wellbeing and eventually your happiness are going to suffer.

In the year we were all forced to work from home, a lot has changed in the way of workplace flexibility. Companies are now open to varied hours, part home, part office working and even working remotely altogether. If you’re somebody who struggles with constrictions and a feeling of lack of trust in the workplace, a new role with more flexibility and a little breathing space could be just what you need.

If your employees’ happiness is important to your company, finding the perfect workspace could go a long way in contributing to this. Let London Offices help you source the ideal office to support the productivity and wellbeing of your team. Call us today on 020 7166 7981.