Finding Your Happy Place at Work

October 20, 2023

The image depicts “My Happy Place” Candor takes along with the title: “My Happy Place” with a blue paint underline.

A happy place is a place or state of mind that brings you comfort, relaxation, and joy. It could be a cherished memory, your favorite spot, a furry friend, or a special person. Your happy place is your own, unique source of happiness. 🌟

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Sharing the Joy: Why It Matters

In today's increasingly remote world, it's becoming harder to build and nurture strong work connections. The days of water cooler chats, where we'd learn about our colleagues' hobbies and our boss's pets, are gone. Although digital tools have made our work more efficient, they often lack the personal touch that humanizes our interactions. Our challenge? To bridge this digital divide with authentic connections beyond mere job roles and tasks.

For Jessica Weiss, a TEDx speaker who teaches people how to find happiness at work, human connection is a key component to making people happy at work.

"Lots of people like to say ‘I go to work and then I have my life outside of work so when in work I just have the people that I work with and outside of work is where I have my friends and I have fun and I do everything.' But my belief is (..) we’re spending so much time at work. We need to have friends at work. It is a critical component to building happiness, to building success and enjoying your job, so I think this idea of community starts with friendship."

— Jessica Weiss, Happiness Expert, Keynote Speaker and Executive Coach

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In the Happiness at Work podcast, Jessica highlights the significance of being deliberate in seeking human connection while working remotely. Organizations should take an active part in promoting this connection in innovative ways, like introducing weekly team rituals or organizing at least one in-person gathering annually. This will help people feel a sense of purpose and belonging in their workplace.

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Make Work Your Happy Place

Sharing what brings you joy can open a window into your world, strengthen connections with your team, and contribute to a better, more authentic work culture.

In the spirit of happiness, we are excited to highlight our favorite "Happy Place" takes on Candor! These personal sharings are a beautiful reminder of the unique happiness we each hold and the magic of sharing it, bringing us closer. A big shoutout to Alice Wo, Amanda James, Cat McGregor, Joannah Apelo, Peter Catchings, Sam Stith, Snapea Design, Tooba Fatima, and Yanni Konstantinidis. 🙌

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A quick sequence of stactic images depicting the best happy takes on Candor. — A selection of our favorite "My Happy Place" Takes on Candor

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In a fast-paced remote work environment, connecting deeply with teammates can feel like a mission impossible. However, by prioritizing personal connections, we can create a fun and connected environment where work becomes our happy place.

How to Do It: Strategies to Make Work Your Happy Place

While the concept of a "happy place" is often associated with personal spaces or moments, there's no reason why your workplace can't be one too. Transforming your work environment into a source of joy requires intentional effort and a focus on building meaningful connections. Here are some strategies to turn your workplace into a happy place:

Foster a Culture of Positivity: Encourage positive communication and recognition within your team. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, and create a culture that values collaboration over competition. A positive work environment contributes significantly to overall job satisfaction.
Promote Open Communication: Establish open lines of communication where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. Foster an environment where feedback is constructive and encourages growth. This openness can lead to stronger connections and a sense of belonging.
Create Team Rituals: Introduce regular team rituals to build camaraderie. Whether it's a weekly virtual coffee break, a monthly team-building activity, or a quarterly celebration of achievements, these rituals provide opportunities for genuine interactions beyond work-related tasks.
Encourage Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Recognize the importance of work-life balance and support flexible working arrangements. When employees feel that their personal lives are respected, they are more likely to be engaged and satisfied in their professional roles.
Acknowledge and Celebrate Diversity: Embrace diversity within your team and celebrate the unique strengths and perspectives each individual brings. A diverse and inclusive workplace fosters a sense of community and enriches the overall work experience.
Invest in Employee Well-being Programs: Prioritize the well-being of your team by offering programs that focus on physical and mental health. Activities such as mindfulness sessions, fitness challenges, or wellness workshops contribute to a healthier and happier work environment.
Establish a Supportive Leadership Style: Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the work culture. Leaders should be approachable, supportive, and lead by example. When employees feel supported by their leaders, it enhances trust and satisfaction.
Encourage Social Connections: Facilitate opportunities for casual social interactions among team members. This could include virtual social events, team lunches, or even informal chat channels. Building friendships at work can significantly contribute to happiness.
Personalize Workspaces: Allow team members to personalize their workspaces, whether in the physical office or virtually. Personal touches, such as photos, plants, or artwork, can create a more comfortable and enjoyable environment.
Celebrate Milestones and Anniversaries: Recognize and celebrate work anniversaries, project milestones, and personal achievements. This not only highlights the value each team member brings but also creates a sense of pride and accomplishment.