5 tips for a good day at work

Past research has shown that when people's three psychological needs - 'autonomy,' 'achievement,' and 'belonging' - are met, it has a positive effect on their sense of happiness, regardless of other needs. Ioannis Kratsiotis, a lecturer in organizational psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, offers five suggestions for having a good day at work, both for yourself and those around you.

Five ways to make your day at work feel better

According to Kratsiotis, when people feel they receive proper support from those around them, three psychological needs are more likely to be met. These five suggestions are designed to help you satisfy these three psychological needs and make you and those around you happy.

1: Ask for help and offer to help
'Help' doesn't have to be formal or time-consuming; it can be a simple update, a quick question, or even sharing some advice. Even a small interaction can make people feel connected and supported, improving their mood and motivation for the day. Help is especially effective when it's two-way, so it's a good idea to ask for help even for simple things and offer it when you can.

2. Acknowledge small successes
Achieving success is one of the biggest drivers of happiness. Even small successes like making progress on a task or completing a to-do list that you've been putting off can lead to a sense of accomplishment, which can have a ripple effect on the rest of your day and beyond work.

3: Give others (and yourself) space
Having a sense of ease in how you approach your work has a big impact on your daily mood. Therefore, giving others a little discretion when delegating tasks makes them feel trusted and strengthens relationships. Also, giving yourself some leeway can help you maintain focus and motivation.

4. End the day with a shout-out
Even a simple thank you or a quick conversation can change the tone of your entire day, and the positive relationships you build at work aren't just a 'feel good' thing; they become a support network you can rely on when you need it.

5. Maintain balance
People feel tired even if just one of the three psychological needs is not met, such as 'too little freedom at work,' 'no sense of growth,' or 'interpersonal relationships are not going well.' It is important to strike a balance rather than trying to completely satisfy a specific need, and it is important to first take a moment to realize what is lacking. Once you know what is lacking, you can take action to address the lack.