What does it take to be happy at work?

This is clearly not an all inclusive list, but as a focused group of basics this list is a way to look at your current team or business and evaluate whether or not you can change any elements for better results. CLEAR GOALS There is nothing worse in the workplace or in any organization than blurry, undefined goals. People need clear guidance and direction to be most productive. Without any objectives, people will waste the company's or organization's time by making themselved "busy" doing nothing important. These days especially, companies cannot afford to have people aimlessly working with no common goal. COHESIVENESS It is not enough to have common goals. There must be a team ready to execute the plan to achieve those goals. A team that supports each other, covers for each other, and builds real momentum must also be present and take action every day in order to be truly successful! CHALLENGING No one will stay in any organization or job very long if the work bores them. And people who seek boring, unchallenging work are always bad hires. Long term, people need to be challenged to feel a sense of accomplishment in order to stay in a job. And organizations should evaluate their people and the positions offered to ensure that the work is worth the effort (and salary). WORTHWHILE An added aspect to the challenge of a job is a measure of its contribution to the company or the world. People want to know that what they do matters! Why go to work if a monkey could do your job? There is a level of unspoken pride in an employee who does something that they (and the world) deems important. People want to feel important when people ask them what they do. It is simple human nature. RESPECTED Human nature also demands that your team members (employees) feel that they are respected for their work. It isn't as important if the world thinks we are contributing if we feel that our opinions are respected at work. A pat on the back once in a while, and knowing that you are the "go to" guy or gal can override the importance of the job itself. To keep good employees, you want to be sure to recognize their good qualities as often as you ask them to improve their poorer qualities or job performance. SALARY AND BONUSES A pat on the back would be enough if people didn't have to eat or if their meals and housing were taken care of by another means. If you want to keep your best team members, a bonus or raise may become important. No one wants more responsibility for the same or less money. A bonus structure dependent on job performance can provide real incentive to all employees at any level. And it will seperate the abilities and motivation of those employees looking to "glide by" from those looking to really help your organization succeed. Taking these elements into consideration for every position in your organization will transform your team into a unified, productive, and happy group!