Cool parties and big pay cheques may make some workers happy, but ultimately won't leave staff fufilled, academics say. Picture: Thinkstock.
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IT'S a question universally pondered by people who hate their jobs - how to be happy at work and enjoy it.

But if you think it just involves a very healthy pay check, awesome parties and a cool boss, chances are you're probably not quite there.

While cool perks ultimately help people enjoy their job, two Australian academics claim loving your job is a skill that can be learnt, even by the most disgruntled worker.

Psychology experts Sue Langley and colleague Mel Neil, who have developed a university-recognised diploma in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, say anyone can learn to love their job and be successful if they're prepared to learn how.

Using research about the human brain and applying it to business, the women say the diploma not only helps people increase productivity, but can also result in businesses suffering fewer sick days.

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They say those studying it have been shown to be happier at work as it "teaches people to be happier both personally and professionally".

And by undertaking courses within the degree - such as positive relationships and communication workers - workers are ultimately better able to deal with stress and build more effective social networks.

They also say it helps increase effective communication meaning people are more likely to work together in teams, which leads to significantly better performance in the workplace.

By setting positive goals, workers are more likely to be challenged and motivated, leading to a happier outlook overall and therefore more fulfilled workers, they claim.

"Productivity is essential to business. When we are at our best we are more productive, more engaged in what we do and this ultimately leads to profitability," Ms Langley said.

"The driving force was to create a qualification that people could put to use in their own life, whether it be workplaces, schools or community groups. We wanted something that was meaningful, not just an academic qualification."

The course is being offered by The Langley Group Institute - an offshoot company for Emotional Intelligence Worldwide.

And the women say it's not only business types enrolling, but that teachers, coaches and trainers, HR managers and managers all wanting to learn the secret of workplace success and happiness.

 

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But if you're not prepared to hit the books and learn how to be a happy and more productive worker here are some tips they recommend to at least make your daily work grind more bearable.

• Introduce a workplace pet to reduce stress levels

• Hold stand-up meetings or just get up and move. Jump around. It is important to move our lymph nodes to get toxins out of our body

• Get curious about your work, or one of your work colleagues, find a way to build a connection

• Practice kindness

And if that's still not enough and you really think cool perks will make you happy, you could always try getting a job IT services company OBS which topped BRW's best places to work in Australia list last year.

The firm offers an Xbox room for staff to team build, and promises "great coffee, soft drink, juice, wine and lots of beer" on its recruitment page.

Or try landing a job at hip Google whose London hub now comes with a soundproof music room boasting drums and guitars, video consoles and a garden area with deck chairs, "vital for creativity".

If that's not your thing and you value time off, then you could always apply for a job at Swedish stationary chain kikki. K, which offers its employees a paid day off work for their birthday.

 

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