Unhappy with your job? Here’s how you can cope

In a recent research study conducted by US HR software firm BambooHR, it was found that the global workforce is unhappy with their jobs. The study looked at nearly 60,000 employees at 1,600-plus companies across the globe between January 2020 and June 2023. Job satisfaction has suffered a steady decline since the start of the pandemic, with reasons ranging from low compensation and unbearable workload to absence of support from colleagues and managers.

According to the State of the Global Workplace 2022 report released by global analytics and advice firm Gallup, workers across the world have experienced high rates of disengagement and unhappiness. 60% of the respondents admitted to being emotionally detached at work, with six in 10 employees acknowledging a trend of quiet quitting, where they show disinterest in work or do the bare minimum to keep their jobs.

In India, a study conducted by happyness.me, a neuro-analytical software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform, revealed that close to 60% of the 1,360 Indians surveyed were unhappy at work, with about half of them expressing the intent to quit their present jobs.

However, quitting a job is not always feasible for every individual due to various reasons such as financial commitments, fear of not finding another job, or being overtly loyal to the workplace. So, how can unhappy employees maintain efficiency at work and deliver targets?

Executive coach and founder of PurposeLadder, Neelima Chakra, suggests that employees should reflect on what they dislike about their job and identify specific activities, parts of the work, or certain behaviors that contribute to their unhappiness. By double-clicking on these issues, employees may be able to find possible solutions to the problem. Chakra also recommends keeping an eye out for other opportunities within the organization that align with an employee’s strengths and interests.

It is important for unhappy employees to stay objective and focus on their work, even if they are not happy or enthusiastic. While it may be challenging, maintaining efficiency can help individuals navigate their work environment and deliver their targets.

Overall, it is crucial for companies to recognize the importance of employee satisfaction and take steps to boost morale and create a work-life balance. By addressing the underlying causes of unhappiness and providing support to employees, organizations can create a more engaged and productive workforce.