Happiness in the workplace is a hot topic. Books on the subject are bestsellers, conferences with happiness as their theme sell out in no time, and Erasmus University Rotterdam even has its own research institute—the Erasmus Happiness Economics Research Organisation—dedicated to in-depth research on happiness.

More and more organizations are recognizing that happy employees perform better, are more engaged, and take fewer sick days than their less happy colleagues.

Scientific research by Sonja Lyubomirsky shows that our genetic makeup accounts for 50% of our happiness. The remaining 50% is divided between external circumstances, such as relationships, income, health, or living environment (10%) and our own behavior and thought patterns (40%). While you can’t directly influence your genetics or circumstances, you can influence your behavior and how you think. That means you have direct control over 40% of your happiness, including at work!

But how do you do that? How can you influence your own happiness at work—and that of your colleagues? There’s no one-size-fits-all recipe for happiness. It varies from person to person. That’s why it’s important to explore for yourself what truly makes you happy!

Here are five tips that can give you ideas:

Tip 1: Recognize yourself and your colleagues for what they do

Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’ve done and acknowledge yourself—not just for your achievements, but also for your effort during tough times. Want to boost your happiness even more? Do the same for someone else. Have you given a colleague a compliment today?

Tip 2: Challenge problems

As mentioned earlier, only 10% of your happiness is influenced by external circumstances. Lose your job? Struggling with a difficult colleague? What matters most is how you respond. Try to see challenges as opportunities for growth, and ask yourself what you can learn from them.

Tip 3: Do what suits your talents

There’s a difference between what you can do and what you want to do. You might be highly skilled at something without actually enjoying it or finding it fulfilling. Doing work that aligns with your talents, work that matches your natural abilities, preferences, and needs, makes a significant contribution to your happiness at work.

Want more insight into this? You’re welcome to contact us for a TMA Talenten Analyse.

Tip 4: Find meaning

When you know you’re part of something bigger, that your work truly contributes to something meaningful, your happiness at work increases. Take time to explore your own “why.” Why do you do what you do?

Tip 5: Make sure you have enough income

Pay attention to your career and make sure you remain attractive to employers. This helps ensure a steady income, because financial worries can lead to unhappiness. But don’t focus solely on becoming wealthier and wealthier. Research shows that this doesn’t actually make you happier. As with so much in life, balance is key.

Good luck at work! With these tips it will certainly work!