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There are definitely days I enjoy my job more than others. Some weeks are rough. Ok, some months are rough. But overall, I tend to enjoy the time I spend there. I’m in that office, with those same people, more than forty hours a week. I better enjoy it. Sure, it’s not a day at Disneyland. But mostly, it’s interesting, rewarding and a pleasant environment.
Even with the rough days, there are things we can do to make life at work (at least a little) more enjoyable on a daily basis. Here’s a few. And please, if you have other tricks up your sleeve, share!!
1) Decorate your office or cube
A little touch of something personal can go a long way. Bring in photos, plants, little knick knacks that bring back positive memories. If it’s appropriate at your company, put out some holiday decorations just for kicks - a Jack-o-lantern at Halloween brings a certain amount of light-hearted pleasure to a stuffy office.
2) Go to lunch with co-workers
Nothing breaks up the day better than getting out of the office and chatting it up with your co-workers. Getting to know people outside of the work atmosphere is completely different. Most of the time, you end up liking them much more.
3) Play music
Most offices are fine with people playing light music at their desks. You can bring a small stereo, an i-pod and a docking station or stream online radio. Music naturally boosts endorphins in the brain and adds a nice, comforting feel to your workspace. Personally, I can only work to music that doesn’t have words so I stick to classical. But listen to whatever stimulates you without distracting you. And of course, steer clear of anything that might be deemed “inappropriate” if your boss walks in.
4) Organize
Working in an organized environment is much more pleasurable than trying to be productive in a cluttered, confusing mess of an office. Who can keep a positive outlook when they can’t find anything? Keep your workspace (and your work processes) neatly organized to avoid frustration. Also, consider the client’s perspective when looking at a messy office.
5) Kisses!
…chocolate ones of course! Keep a bowl of kisses or some other chocolaty goodness at your desk and your day will improve tremendously. Not only are you within arms reach of one of the world’s greatest gifts, but you’ll find yourself a lot more popular too. Everyone wants to visit the office with the candy!
(And, for those of us looking to avoid excess sugar, we can always switch to sugar-free candies or even a bowl of seasoned almonds. People tend to congregate around food so you’ll still get nice drop-in visits from co-workers.)
6) Remember the goal
Why do you come to work each day? To support your family? To climb the corporate ladder? Whatever the reason, remember why it’s important that you’re there. Put your life and your work into perspective. Think of the big picture and remember how going to work each day plays into it.
7) Listen to a friend complain about work
I don’t know about you but whenever I hear a friend complain about work I think, “Wow. I guess I don’t have it too bad after all!” I’ve heard some amazing horror stories (mostly from a friend who’s a nurse - I would vomit on a daily basis if I had that job). Just listen to the things others go through and take a moment to enjoy how good you’ve got it.
Have fun
Do little things to have fun during the day - create inside jokes in the office, share funny stories, just occasionally make your interactions with your co-workers not strictly related to work. There’s plenty of seriousness taking place in any office. Taking a few minutes to laugh and chat will help improve morale, teamwork, and productivity. And it makes work a much nicer place to be.
9) Get outside on your breaks
Don’t get stuck under that artificial lighting! Get outside on your break, even if only for a few minutes. The sun’s rays help lift your mood and energize you. The fresh air clears your mind. Get the blood flowing with a short, brisk walk. By the time you get back to your desk, you’ll be a brand new person.
10) Get a comfy chair
If you sit in a chair all day long, it better be a nice one. Don’t suffer in a chair that doesn’t fit right. “Ergonomic” office furniture is getting more and more popular in the workplace. Employers are realizing that worker productivity and health can be seriously hindered by a poorly designed work space. Most are starting to understand that it’s worth the cost of a nicer chair to ensure that their employees don’t end up with back problems (and on disability!).
11) Keep flowers or a plant in your office or cube
Bring life into your office to help create a more vibrant workspace. Flowers and plants add a freshness to the air and help lift your spirits. Remember to choose a plant that will thrive without direct sunlight.
12) Be yourself
Pretending to be someone you’re not is a tough act to keep up. It’s also tiring and not very much fun. The easiest solution is to just be open and honest about who you are. Of course, you still want to maintain a professional attitude while doing so. But don’t pretend to like golf just because the boss does.
13) Play the game
This may seem like a contradiction after the last point, but you can still be yourself and play the company game. Every company has a “personality”. It’s known as the company culture. If you really want to enjoy your job, you have to “get into” the company culture. You don’t have to fake it, but try to see the positive in it. If you have a morning meeting that ends in a company wide cheer (like Wal-mart), just go with it and try to have fun. Don’t roll your eyes and refuse to take part. Be proud. And if you can’t, maybe the company’s personality doesn’t match yours (meaning: maybe it’s time to find another job).
14) Stress less
Easier said than done, I know. However, the more you can calm down and de-stress, the more you will enjoy your job. If you feel yourself getting wound up, take a breather. Step outside for a minute to decompress. Remember to ask for help when you’re overwhelmed. Many of the above tricks will also help relieve some stress (such an organizing and having fun). Stress is a normal part of any job, but try your best to reduce it.
15) See what’s out there - don’t let yourself feel trapped.
It’s never enjoyable to feel like you have no other choice but to do what you’re doing. Remember that you always have options. Look at the jobs that are available in your field or in your area. Is there something that you think you would enjoy more? Research it. You may find out that what you have is much better than what’s out there. Or you may find out that you’ve waited too long to look around. If so, get out there and get the job you deserve. Otherwise, sit back and relax. You’ve got it good. Enjoy.
If you liked that post, then try these...
Sometimes 1 Step Back = 2 Steps Forward by Chrissy on December 30th, 2007
Career Advice from the 11 Mile Run by Chrissy on April 15th, 2008
Setting Goals: The Importance of a Goal by Chrissy on February 27th, 2008
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8 Responses to “15 Ways to Enjoy Work (a little) More”
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While working as web site administrator at a high school, I kept a bowl of candy in my office, just inside the door. I got a lot of regular visitors (students and faculty) and got to know the kids and teachers much better than I would have if I didn’t have the sweets. I had a rule with the kids - they had to at least say ‘Hello’ before they took a piece. Soon they were stopping in to chat, giving me more ideas and information for the web site and giving the students access to a nonthreatening adult.
I’m not sure about the ’seasoned almonds’ though.. I’ve been wary of unwrapped public treats ever since the media did the story about the contamination that occurs when many people handle the snacks. (Gross!)
Hi, I’m visiting from Zen Habits, and I wanted to let you know I really enjoyed this post. I have a question too: many of the tips you offer have to do with positive interaction with co-workers. What do you reccomend for people who work alone? I go into an office every day, but about 3 out of 5 days a week I’m the only one there, and I find myself getting bored with work pretty fast on those 3 days. I’m trying to think of ways to stay focused… but ended up reading blogs instead. Oops! I’m stopping now!
Hi Sara - Thanks for dropping by! I suggest frequent breaks to get out and walk (get the blood flowing, get away from the computer, give your mind a chance to clear and re-energize). Also, on days you’re the only one in the office, maybe schedule a lunch meeting with an associate - someone you can learn from or network with. Give yourself more opportunities to interact with people outside of the office to help break up your day. Hope it helps and hope you continue to drop by the Tool Box!
Hi Chrissy,
Those are good ideas - thanks for your time!
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thanks for suggestions,they really work.
i normally do is try n do things differently, which make me feel fresh.
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