Most full time employees work around 40 hours a week. For some, this time goes by quickly and it doesn’t feel like work at all. However, a recent Forbes Article divulged that about 70% of Americans are to some degree unhappy during the 40 hours a week that they spend at the workplace.  Are you one of them? While the obvious answer may be to find another job, we believe that there are a few things that you can do to really improve your happiness at the workplace.

GET ENGAGED. Studies have shown that employees who jump into the work environment, interact with those around them, and really get to know their products are much happier at work. Go to work functions after hours, participate, and get to know the people in the break room.

STAY ACTIVE. Although it may be sometimes necessary to stay at your desk most of the day, employees who keep physically active are overall much happier than those that do not. Go for short walks, stretch, and maybe even get some exercise during your lunch break if you have the opportunity.

BE COMFORTABLE. Talk to your employers about maintaining a comfortable thermostat (between 65 and 70 degrees), reducing noise, and utilizing adjustable chairs and desks. If you are uncomfortable, you are not going to be able to set yourself up for happiness at work.

In short, if you are really unhappy with the work that you do or the company that employees you, you may need to start looking for other options. But, there are a lot of unconscious factors that could lead to increased job satisfaction that you may not even realize. If the opportunity is there, you should always get engaged in office activities, move around, and maintain a comfortable workspace.

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen