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.

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