How to be happier at work

Are you happy at work? SEEK has recently released the second edition of it’s Workplace Happiness Index Report which revealed that there’s a good chance you’re not. In fact, the report found that 64% of New Zealanders are happy in their jobs. While this marks a slight improvement from last year (62%), it’s clear that there’s still work to be done to improve workplace happiness across the country. 

The good news is that if you’re one of those who aren’t happy, there are actions you can take that can change this. We spoke to Transitioning Well Co-Director and Organisational Psychologist, Justine Alter, who has provided some expert tips for being happier at work. 

What factors make us happy at work?

For the second year in a row, purpose at work had a significant impact on the workplace happiness of New Zealanders, with 63% of Kiwis currently happy with their purpose at work. “People need to feel that their work has meaning and contributes to something larger,” says Alter.

The report also revealed that day-to-day responsibilities had a significant impact on the workplace happiness of New Zealanders, ranking second overall. “How they align with personal goals is key,” says Alter. When you have a job that gels well with your personal beliefs it’s more likely to make you feel happy than a job that is at odds with your values. 

Another aspect of work that people reported affected their happiness is your manager, which has risen up six places on last year’s report to the third biggest driver of happiness.

“Amid change and uncertainty, managers are often who workers turn to for transparency, communication and guidance,” says Alter. “They are the ones who set the tone of an organisation – steering the ship if you like – so it’s understandable that leadership from the top is a clear influencer on happiness.”

Two more factors correlated with happiness at work are company culture senior leadership. Alter sees a link between the two, saying “[The] two are interconnected because creating a psychologically safe and supportive culture can help culture starts from the top with senior leaders.”

Another big factor driving workplace happiness for New Zealanders is salary. It’s easy to see how earnings may affect your job satisfaction levels, though Alter cautions, “While this is important, it’s not the sole or even primary driver.”

What changes can we make to improve our workplace happiness

Feel like your happiness levels could do with a tweak – or perhaps a big boost? While you should feel empowered to take charge of how happy you are in your job, changes may require a combined effort between you and your employer.

Here's what you can do for yourself. “As an employee, you can focus on the factors that are more within your control, such as your day-to-day responsibilities,” suggests Alter.

As for finding purpose in your work and improving company culture: “Look for ways to get more involved in your company’s culture and community, such as joining employee resource groups or volunteering for special projects.

Strengthening workplace ties and looking at ways to reduce stress are more actions you can take to help improve happiness at work.

“Focus on building strong relationships with your colleagues…You can also consider your own work-life balance and explore ways to manage stress, whether through time management, wellness activities, or adjusting your responsibilities.”

How to bring up happiness with your manager

With the SEEK data showing that factors like company culture and stress levels are key drivers of happiness, change is only possible with the involvement of your manager.

“The key is to have open and honest conversations to understand where you can make changes yourself and where you need support from your organisation,” says Alter.

When it comes to talking to your manager about your workplace happiness, it can help to keep your eye on the big picture, rather than focusing solely on the problems. “Focus on constructive, solutions-oriented dialogue,” suggests Alter.

“Some conversation starters could be, ‘I’d like to discuss how I can find more purpose and meaning in my work,’ or ‘I’m feeling quite stressed lately and would appreciate your support in managing my workload’.”

“Framing the discussion around how you can work together to address the underlying issues is often more helpful than placing the onus on your manager alone – whether that’s related to your responsibilities, management support, or company culture.”

What to do if happiness proves more elusive

If you’ve made efforts to address the issues contributing to your workplace unhappiness, and you're still not seeing meaningful improvements, it may be time to consider moving on, says Alter.

Not sure if it’s your job or just a rough patch? “Look for signs like a persistent lack of purpose, an unsupportive manager, or a company culture that doesn't align with your values,” she says.

“If you find yourself frequently thinking about changing jobs and your job search is taking up a significant amount of mental energy, that could be an indication that it's the right time to explore new opportunities.”

Your happiness takeaway

The second instalment of the Workplace Happiness Index Report highlights the importance of purpose, meaningful responsibilities, and strong management in driving workplace happiness. While there’s been slight improvement from 2024, there’s still a clear opportunity for both employees and organisations to work together to create more fulfilling and supportive work environments.

“The most important takeaway is that creating a positive, supportive, and purposeful work experience involves a collaborative effort between employees and their organisations,” says Alter.

“By addressing these critical elements, we can cultivate a workforce that is more engaged, motivated and fulfilled.”

Access the complete Workplace Happiness Index Report here.

Source: Research conducted for SEEK by Nature, between July and September 2025 via an online survey. Responses were gathered from over 1,500 individuals currently in the workforce (either employed or looking for work), aged 18 64, and living in New Zealand.