Happy Work

Here’s something to ponder this Monday morning – Happy and Work – are these two words meant to live together? 

Many of us would laugh or scoff at the idea of Happiness and Work holding hands.  So often, our modern workplace has become a source of stress and frustration, instead of joy and fulfillment.  And why is this?  Is it the work or is it us?

There’s a wonderful book I’m just beginning to crack entitled “The Art of Happiness at Work” by Howard C.Cutler, M.D. and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.  This book ponders the concept of work and how it contributes (or detracts) from our sense of personal happiness.  Chock full of advice and thoughtful conversation, the book is nothing if not helpful in our daily battle to find meaning and satisfaction in our work.

In this passage, the Dalai Lama reminds us it is our humanity that allows for a better work environment.  “I think on a basic level we are all human beings,” he continued.  “We all have the capacity to relate to one another with warmth, with affection, with friendship.  So, if we are discussing happiness and satisfaction at work, like in all human activities, the human factor – how we relate to those around us, our co-workers, our customers, our boss – is of prime importance.  And I think if we make a special effort to cultivate good relationships with people at work, get to know the other people, and bring our basic good human qualities to the workplace, that can make a tremendous difference.  Then, whatever kind of work we do, it can be a source of satisfaction.  Then you look forward to going to work, and you are happier there.  You think, Oh, I’m going to work to see my friends today!”

What a great attitude, right?  And I agree – trying to make our work environment inviting on a human level will go a long way to helping us tolerate the less-than-perfect moments of deadlines, cutbacks and work overload.  And considering many of us spend countless hours enveloped in cubicles and file cabinets, it only makes sense we embrace our co-workers with kindness and friendship.  We are, after all, in “it” together. 

As you enter the office vestibule, push through the doors with a warm greeting and a smile – you’ll see what a tremendous difference it can make. – BB