It is said that up to 40% of our adult life revolves around work.

Think about it.

We get up early, and get ready for work. We spend time getting to work, and once there we start our work.

Then, when the work day is all done, we start our way back home… from work.

Do we get a respite after this long tiring day? No! Because when we get home from work, we must now spend time ‘unwinding from work’.

To top it all off, we have to go to bed early, because the next day we must once again…. Get up early to get ready for work.

To me, this would be fine if I didn’t have to sleep, eat, shower, or carry out all the other mundane chores of daily living.

After all is said and done, it’s a wonder we have any time left for ourselves. Let alone our families.

According to a massive poll of 25 million employees in 189 countries, it was found that only 13% of workers feel engaged, happy and have a sense of passion for their work. That means 87% don’t.

Going to a job you hate is hell on earth.

Isn’t it amazing how much time we spend on work and work related activities? I just have to say that outside of a miserable marriage, I can think of no other depressing thought than going through all this for something we hate.

I’m so glad to say, that like most of you, I really love my job.

What, you don’t love your job you say?

Well all I have to say is join the club.

How do people really feel about their job?

Gallup poll has gathered statistics since the late 1990’s on workplace happiness. Here are some of those findings taken from a Forbes article published October 10, 2013.

Since the late 1990s, Gallup has been measuring international employee satisfaction through a survey it has been honing over the years. In total it has polled 25 million employees in 189 different countries. The latest version, released this week, gathered information from 230,000 full-time and part-time workers in 142 countries.
Overall, Gallup found that only 13% of workers feel engaged by their jobs. That means they feel a sense of passion for their work, a deep connection to their employee and they spend their days driving innovation and moving their company forward.
The vast majority, some 63%, are “not engaged,” meaning they are unhappy but not drastically so. In short, they’re checked out. They sleepwalk through their days, putting little energy into their work.
A full 24% are what Gallup calls “actively disengaged,” meaning they pretty much hate their jobs. They act out and undermine what their coworkers accomplish.
Add the last two categories and you get 87% of workers worldwide who, as Gallup puts it, “are emotionally disconnected from their workplaces and less likely to be productive.”

Before you get too depressed, here are some ways to boost your workplace happiness.

Let’s start with another Forbes article published December 15, 2014, by Jacob Morgan

Several other studies have also emerged around what employees care about at work but the most recent one from Boston Consulting Group which surveyed over 200,000 people around the world is one of the most comprehensive. Unlike previous studies which may point to flexibility or salary as the top factor for job happiness, BCG found that the #1 factor for employee happiness on the job is get appreciated for their work!

The top 10 factors are:

1. Appreciation for your work
2. Good relationships with colleagues
3. Good work-life balance
4. Good relationships with superiors
5. Company’s financial stability
6. Learning and career development
7. Job security
8. Attractive fixed salary
9. Interesting job content
10. Company values

Perhaps what is more interesting is that contrary to some of the other studies which show compensation as the #1 factor for happiness, this report puts salary at #8. This reaffirms what I consistently see in organizations that I speak with. You can’t pay someone a lot of money, treat them poorly, and expect them to do their jobs well just because they get a nice paycheck….
Now, to resolve your workplace unhappiness, I recommend looking over the list and choosing those factors that are the most important for you. Once you have targeted what would help increase your workplace happiness, start brainstorming ideas to help fulfill your needs.

Possible ideas on how to be happy at work

Network with others who feel the same, and then work on ways to build on the old negotiation tactic of strength in numbers.
Approach your boss with positive ideas to help create a more conducive work environment.
Go back to school, take night classes, enroll in seminars, and learn new skills that could move you into another position or another company.
Get involved in special projects that are more geared towards your unique skill sets.
Volunteer for activities outside work that would help provide a sense of purpose for your life (sometimes things get better all around when we find passion).
Start on a whole new career path, or start looking for side jobs or businesses that could help you phase out of your current position, and into something more suitable to your lifestyle.
Find a support group, church, bible study, social club or other activity that will enhance your spiritual, emotional and relational life.