American researchers have identified the characteristics that affect the happiness of workers.
- Adults in a profession that requires little social interaction and does not offer the possibility of bonding with their colleagues are less fulfilled.
- Loneliness increases the risk of mortality.
- Meeting new people, through volunteering, can contribute to happiness by giving meaning to one’s life.
In the world of work, the most unhappy people are those who have a job requiring little social interaction. This was revealed by researchers at Harvard University (United States) in a study. The latter follows 724 volunteers since their adolescence in 1938. The participants come from diverse economic and social backgrounds, from the poorest neighborhoods of Boston to Harvard students. Over the years, scientists have collected information about their health, and every two years they ask them questions about their life, mental and emotional well-being. The team even interviews their family members.
Be in contact with your colleagues to be more fulfilled at work
According to the results, employees in a profession that does not offer the possibility of forging links with their colleagues are less happy than the others. Those who work at night are also less fulfilled. Among the jobs that would make people more unhappy are security guards, truck drivers and food or grocery delivery people.
Clearly, human interactions and relationships contribute to employee happiness. “It is a basic social need that should be satisfied in all aspects of our lives. Also, if you are in more contact with people, you are more satisfied with your job and you work better”, explained, to the chain CNBCRobert Waldinger, professor of psychiatry and author of the work, before recalling that loneliness increases the risk of mortality.
“We know that call center employees are often extremely stressed about their jobs, mainly because they are on the phone all day with frustrated and impatient people,” he added.
Volunteering, the solution to fight against loneliness?
In the works, the team clarifies that the secret to being happy, living longer and in good health is to maintain positive relationships. “Personal connections create mental and emotional stimulation that automatically boosts mood, while isolation destroys it. It’s also an opportunity to focus on positive relationships and get rid of negative people in your life, or at least minimize your interactions with them”, said Robert Waldinger.
If workers need to expand their circle, researchers advise them to turn to volunteering. “It’s a safe bet that you will meet more like-minded people. Volunteering is also another way to increase happiness by giving meaning to one’s life. A study found that this benefit was greatest in people aged 45 to 80+.”they continued.
