Many people have experienced difficulties at work, whether it’s being scolded by a boss, having conflicts with colleagues, or feeling stressed. However, there are also days that are more relaxed and enjoyable, filled with energy, which may not necessarily mean achieving major accomplishments. In fact, this feeling of joy often stems from a harmonious atmosphere at work that satisfies people’s psychological needs. In this regard, experts have shared five ways to make workdays feel better.
Psychology lecturer Ioannis Kratsiotis from Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK wrote on The Conversation website that research conducted with colleagues indicates that feeling genuine support from those around us helps satisfy three basic needs — a sense of autonomy, competence, and connection.
Satisfying these needs often makes people feel that their days are brighter. Employees can create better days for themselves and those around them through five simple methods:
Sense of achievement is one of the most important factors in boosting happiness, so it’s worth taking the time to notice small successes. Perhaps you made progress on a task, or finally completed something you’ve been procrastinating on your to-do list.
Recognizing these small achievements can enhance your sense of competence, a feeling that can last the whole day and even extend into life outside of work.
Support doesn’t have to be formal or time-consuming. Brief greetings, simple inquiries, or sharing advice can bring about real change. These small interactions can make people feel cared for and supported, thereby boosting mood and motivation throughout the day. Mutual support is most effective, so look for opportunities to both seek assistance and offer help in return.
A sense of freedom in how we work plays a critical role in our daily experiences. Allowing yourself to make small choices in how tasks are completed and giving colleagues the same freedom as much as possible can strengthen relationships of trust. Trusting others can enhance interpersonal relationships, while giving yourself space can help maintain focus and motivation.
Sometimes, we may feel exhausted because our basic needs are not being met. Perhaps our work lacks freedom, progress is slow, or there is a lack of interpersonal interaction.
Restoring balance is more important than satisfying any single need. Therefore, take some time to identify what aspects make you feel lacking, which is the first step to regaining a sense of balance. The next step is to take some small actions to address the issues.
If you need more autonomy, you can decide on the order in which tasks will be completed next; if you need a sense of achievement, you can complete a manageable task; if you feel isolated, you can chat with colleagues.
Encouraging others to do the same helps foster a team atmosphere, making balance and support a shared responsibility. When this happens, more and more good days will come.
Short and sincere communication can change your mood for the whole day. A simple “thank you”, an appreciative message, or a brief conversation with a colleague can bring more joy than you imagine.
Initiating contact with others before the end of the workday can make you feel more relaxed, happy, and energized when leaving your work station. Establishing positive workplace relationships not only makes you feel good but also provides you with a reliable support network to assist you when needed.
Kratsiotis concludes that their research leads to a simple conclusion — good workdays do not require major changes or perfect conditions. They are created through those subtle moments of support in daily life, which make us feel free, capable, and closely connected to others.
By paying attention to these subtle moments and supporting each other in simple yet meaningful ways, we can create more fulfilling days at work and feel spiritually refreshed at home.