Most people spend one third of their adult life at work and yet there still seems to be a high percentage of us who are unhappy there. We have either settled into a job that we don’t enjoy or we have our dream job, based in a work environment that we don’t like, with people that feel like strangers.
There is no miracle fix for a work-life overhaul and it is unrealistic for us to think we can pack up our desks and skip off into an opportunity-laden sunset but there are ways of adapting and evolving our attitudes and practices to get more enjoyment out of work.
Build on relationships
Most people spend more than 35 hours a week at work; therefore we are potentially spending this huge amount of time with people we may not have any kind of connection with. Try suggesting that as a team you carve out some time to build on your relationships.
This can be something small like setting aside 20 minutes to have tea and cake together once a week, away from your desks with a strict ‘no work talk’ rule. Or why not go all out and arrange a monthly corporate day? Escape rooms, Dim Sum classes or evening meals are just a small selection of ideas – there are so many options.
Whatever you do, just try to spend some quality time together – just for fun.
Make your space comfortable
Would you live in a home with no personal touches? No photos, art or comforts? Probably not. So why endure a soulless workplace?
Try bringing in some art that you like. Our brains react well to certain colours – for example, tones of green make us feel calm and can promote wellbeing.
If you work in a relaxed workplace, you might like to try bringing in some comforting soft cushions or give your office air a clean boost with some indoor plants.
A corporate environment may be more restricted, however, your own mug or a humorous postcard on your desk can instantly lift your mood.
Indulge
There are many ways to indulge in some much-needed self-care at work, all of which can suit any budget, whether you pay yourself or as a company subsidised benefit.
Corporate massage companies offer businesses the chance to temporarily transform the boardroom from a hive of activity to a place of Zen. Massage at work can reduce stress, promote wellbeing, reduce pain and stiffness and give you and your colleagues a sense of wellbeing and calm. Studies have shown that workplace massage services help workers to briefly relax and take stock of everything going on before returning to work re-energised and more productive.
Pump up the volume
Dancing is a great way to start the day positively as well as getting your body moving. If you feel particularly outrageous, why not suggest coming into the office 20 minutes early, put on the answerphones and pump up the volume.
Letting off steam by dancing, moving and laughing together releases endorphins – the feel-good hormones. Great for team building and improving the mood – happy teams are productive!
Sing some praise
So your coworker pitched a fantastic idea? Make sure you tell them and others.
Positivity grows and spreads and your good vibes can lead the way to a team that will start to notice each other’s personal wins.
If you feel particularly bold, try nipping out for cakes at lunchtime to celebrate your colleague’s triumph or even a toast with some beers on a Thursday afternoon.
These are just a selection of ideas to make life at work feel more relaxed, rewarding and engaging. A company and team can only last for so long in an unhappy workplace before staff turnover increases and production falls – ultimately damaging the company and the wellbeing of everybody in it.
If you like this post, why not read what to do if your first career isn’t right any more or 14 tips to boost your energy.
Bio
Amy Merrywest is the founder and director of Moaning Cow Corporate Massage & Wellbeing in London. Amy and her team offer a range of wellness treatments, workshops and classes in the workplace – helping to promote the wellbeing of all employees.
You can find out more here.
