How to be happier at work

You can make changes that will improve the quality of your work life and set you on track for a more successful and fulfilled career.

“The specific in-office, self-care habits can vary from person to person, but there are some fundamental ones that successful people employ to improve both their personal wellbeing and their performance as leaders and managers. These are helpful tips regardless of your status — whether you are a student, employee, manager or self-employed,” says Peter Kriel, general manager at the Independent Institute of Education.

He advises:

• Find ways that work for you to manage your time better — be they apps, prioritising tasks, setting boundaries or delegating;
• Keep learning no matter how old, skilled or experienced you are. Ask your manager about courses you can attend or look for online programmes that are of interest. The important thing is to adopt a lifelong learning approach;
• Take breaks during your workday to recharge and also schedule regular long weekends or holidays to recover and enjoy some well-deserved downtime;
• Stress is a fact of life, so you need to find ways to manage it.  Whatever you choose — deep breathing, meditation, hiking, a creative hobby or journaling — make sure it works for you;
• Set clear boundaries — between your work and your personal life, and at work with colleagues and managers, to make sure you are not on the road to burnout; and
• Spend some time reflecting on where you want to be in a five or 10 years’ time, and set the goals you need to reach to get there. Then check in regularly to make sure you are on track. — Margaret Harris