<img src="//bat.bing.com/action/0?ti=5739614&amp;Ver=2" height="0" width="0" style="display:none; visibility: hidden;">

The Skinny

Are you happy?

Posted on Saturday, March 5

Share:
 

Weekly Skinny

Let’s start off on the right foot

“If you don’t see a clear path for what you want, sometimes you have to make it yourself.” –Mindy Kaling

skinny_1_Happiness_General_Social_Survey
The skinny

The latest data on happiness from the General Social Survey, showed that for the first time since the survey began, more people are indicating that they aren’t happy.

Well, that tracks.

It tracks with the current news cycle, but it’s actually an indication to a much bigger workplace/societal change. AND it’s a clue into why The Great Resignation may be happening now.  

Tell me more.

Before the pandemic, workplace culture relied on work coming first and work being the main building block of our “selves.”

Hi, I’m a _____, right?

Fill in the blank. Work-life balance wasn’t really a thing and most of us were basically white knuckling it through not realizing the bigger toll this way of life was taking on us.

Then it all changed.

Indeed. We all know the pandemic changed the way people thought about work, but it truly affected how we felt about what we do, who we do it for, and for how long and for how much. Working has been stripped bare of all the bells and whistles and now, many are realizing they don’t like what they see.  

Yeah, we’ve already heard about TGR.

Or, quitagion if you’re cool. But you’re right. People are leaving their jobs but they also, aren’t coming back.

Why?

Because they’re miserable. It seems like our entire society is burnt out. It may not be the work itself but also being burnt out by the pandemic is affecting the way workers are feeling right now. And as we said before, they aren’t feeling good, connected, or happy.

It could be just a phase.

Maybe. If the current workplace ennui could be linked to the “before times” with the pandemic simply ramping up what was an inevitable backlash what does that say about the phase we’re in and what comes next? Combating this cultural lethargy will be key to rebuilding or reengaging a happy workforce.  

So, what does that look like?

I don’t want to wade too far into the philosophy pool, but all of what’s happening right now is connected to how our collective identities have shifted. Work isn’t our life anymore. Leaders need to first and foremost recognize their workforce is made up of people, humans, who now have different priorities.  

I am human.

Exactly. Tapping into the people element and helping to support workers outside of work will be a vital turning point for employers. 

Totes quotes: “I remember a friend once saying that although her husband wasn’t depressed, he hated his job, and it was effectively like living with a depressed person.”­–Noreen Malone, editor Slate Magazine

Further reading: How Millennials became the burnout generation.  

For you: When the news is scary, what to say to kids.


skinny_Icons_030522_when-we-compare-ourselves-2
The skinny

When we compare ourselves to others who are better off than we are, it is called an upward social comparison, and it tends to make us feel dissatisfied.

What about, downward?

That does exist, too. Comparing ourselves to those that are worse off can make us feel more satisfied, but, it can lead to smugness.  

Smuggle.

Either way, social comparisons tend to be bad for us. But there are a few things to do instead.  

I’m listening.

Focus on your path. One fundamental problem with social comparisons is that it allows other people’s lives to commandeer your goals.  

Don’t want that.

Nope. Focusing on other’s achievements can make you feel dissatisfied with your achievements and can potentially derail what you’ve worked for.  

Feeling derailed.

C’ome ‘n ride this train back to feeling confident. It’s useful to think about what makes you happy and satisfied personally and professionally. List the key things you would like to do or achieve. Striving to live a life that is authentic to those personal goals can help keep you grounded.  

Cool.

One more thing. When you feel yourself watching someone else succeed, try reframing your own reaction. Envy is the enemy of confidence. When you feel that twinge of jealously, send a note of congratulations instead.

For you: 263 things to be grateful for in 2022.

sun-sunshine-bright-happy-news-click
Now a break from the news…

A very important pupper.

justice-legal-compliance-gavel-law-court-icon
Compliance Corner

New mask guidelines.

Here’s something to…


workplace-icon-skinny
Blogosphere  

3 steps for employers to address Black mental health

lasso-roundup-gather-rope
Rae's Roundup - what we're reading

 

 

Amid DEI zeal, BIPOC employees say work life is harder.