In the American Constitution there appears the concept that people should be free in the pursuit of happiness. It’s an interesting thought. Can happiness be attained by some sort of major effort on our part? If we’re really truthful, happiness is an elusive and peculiar emotion. It comes when we least expect it. In the book "The Gulag Archipelligo", the Russian author records having experienced happiness (even in a concentration camp) in the very simple things of daily survival under some of the worst conditions of human existence. You may not be in a Gulag. But often we ask: "what makes for happiness in a routine such as the work environment?" Even the most glamourous of jobs in time become routine. Is there happiness here? Let us suggest three things.

In his inaugural speech as president, John F. Kennedy said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask, what can I do for this country." You may not agree with everything, which happens, in your workplace, but it is a large slice of your life and happiness will come when you decide to give it your best. If you’re just seeing out time it will become a burden to be there and happiness will escape you. When you enrich your environment it returns the favour.

This may seem strange. If it works for "Field of Dreams" will it work for you? The incredible happiness, which comes from a fulfiled vision, no matter how small, is beyond mention. There may seem to be obstacles in the way of even your smallest work dream, even if it is getting another job, but the way to achieving any goal and the happiness which goes with it, is to give the moment everything you’ve got.

Part of the secret of happiness is the sense that you have done something which is to the highest standard possible. In everything you do, practice excellence. In your relationships at work, make them the best possible-even with the difficult people. Don’t involve yourself in workplace politics or gossip. These things are counter-productive and have never really made anyone happy.  Practice your own standard of excellence and recognition and a quiet sense of happiness will be yours.  These three: Dedication, Vision, Excellence are indicators on the road to workplace happiness. It is not an overnight process... but applied they will deliver a result.

Creating family at work.

For some people, the workplace is now their family. Because the workplace dominates our lives, the rewards of a stable and unified family structure at work are many.  Aware managers and owners of businesses realise that the complex relationships at work cannot be ignored.  To have office politics, gossip and backbiting (even though it is an integral part of television soapies) is a recipe for a workplace that operates at less than best practice.  Here’s the start of a family which offers a safe, predictable and less stressful environment for team members.  Managers must know their team and spend time with them individually. In doing that the key is affirmation.  The business world is full of criticism and fear. The manager who deals with issues based on an affirmative model will gain respect and unswerving loyalty.  We each want to be respected and affirmed. This is not some pie in the sky new age kite-flying. It goes to the very core of our being as people. To be well thought of, to have someone respect me, and to hear it is to make the place where this happens desirable.  Affirmation is the start, but there’s a whole lot more.....see our future issues.

Quotes from the professions:

"Safety in the workplace is good business. A worker injured in the course of his or her employment need only prove that work was the substantial contributing factor causing the injury.  For example back injury claims, which are compensatable, are often a combination of hard work and aging.

These rights to compensation are expensive to workers compensation insurers who pass on these costs to businesses in higher premiums. Such premium increases are often substantial."

- Rolf Howard. Solicitor/Partner. Owen Hodge Lawyers

"The great advertising mystery was expressed by one client who said: "I know that I’m probably wasting 50% of my budget, the question I need answered is : which 50%?" To carefully target your prospects and existing buyers is the key to advertising success.

-Geoff Holt. Director. Leonard Communications and Marketing