Leadership Tip

How to be satisfied at work

What is it that makes a job satisfying? Salary? Title? Perks? Following your passion? Countless studies show these kinds of rewards don’t keep us motivated for long. Once your basic needs are met, people don’t report being any happier or less stressed as household income rises above a certain threshold, currently £50,000 a year. So what does make us happy in our jobs?

  1. Work that is engaging. Try to find work that draws you in and holds your attention and interest, and that is a good match for your skills.
     
  2. Work that benefits other people. It really is better to give than receive. People who volunteer are less depressed and healthier. Jobs where people report a high level of satisfaction tend to be those that connect to a higher purpose, whether working in the community or helping those in pain.
     
  3. Work you’re good at and valued for. It’s hard to feel satisfied if your work is a struggle. And if you’re good at it you’ll be valued, which is a help in negotiating a better deal so you can spend time on more meaningful projects, or with family and friends.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and from research by the Office for National Statistics. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Unlock your potential

Whether face to face, or over the telephone, we can develop your leadership skills, support you in making important decisions, and help you reach your potential.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 weekend habits of purposeful leaders

The most impactful leaders know that success doesn’t come from working around the clock - it comes from working with intention. And that includes how we spend our weekends. While weekdays often revolve around performance, the weekend is a chance to reset... read more

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

Leadership Tips

How to manage a perfectionist

A perfectionist on your team can be both a gift and a drain. They raise standards by default, yet can stall progress by obsessing over minor details. The leadership challenge isn’t to change them, but to channel them. Perfectionists care about quality,... read more

How to make a critical trade-off

Most meaningful leadership decisions involve trade-offs. To do one thing well, you often have to give up something else. The best leaders don’t shy away from these moments — they navigate them with clarity. Next time you’re facing competing priorities,... read more

How to make goals work together

Balancing work and life often feels like a trade-off. But it doesn’t have to. Personal and professional goals can support each other if you connect them. Done well, this approach boosts motivation, eases anxiety, and helps you lead a more integrated life... read more