Is “Positive Meaningful Interaction” The Key To Being Happy At Work?

Some things just don’t change very much over time. According to an eighty-five-year-old Harvard study, the “unhappiest jobs are also some of the loneliest.” Positive meaningful interaction and relationships with co-workers can be the keys to a happy professional life (unless you absolutely abhor being around other human beings – in which case, please disregard this article and have a nice day). In fact, the authors of the study describe positive relationships, personal and professional, as “the secret to living a happier, healthier, and longer life.”

In addition, a work environment in which “positive meaningful interaction” flourishes is by nature collaborative, and professionals who collaborate with co-workers across disciplines have an edge over those who aren’t able to hone those skills. Positive work relationships don’t just make you happy, they make you more successful.

Where does that leave the modern, remote, hybrid, work-from-home, Zoom meeting, AI-driven professional? It seems that many contemporary work movements are in opposition to the Harvard study’s conclusion. The greater our options to opt out of a traditional workplace, the more we move away from the type of work environment that best suits our need for professional happiness. That doesn’t mean positive relationships aren’t possible, but they may be more difficult to establish and maintain.

Technology is accelerating the dehumanization of work. Process automation tools and AI are meant to free workers of mundane tasks so they can concentrate on more important higher-level work, and after major capital expenditures and staff training surely that is the case. However, there is a serious trade-off.

• Robotic automation has decimated manufacturing jobs, and it’s spreading.

• AI-driven video job interviews and other job process functions are yet more digital gates to get past before breaking through to the realm of people.

• Remote and hybrid roles made possible through various technologies may be isolating and create barriers to creating meaningful relationships.

• Remote and hybrid jobs have extra challenges. Digital nomads who travel around the world and immerse themselves in other cultures because they can work from anywhere exist, but there are more people who want to stay home.

• Technology in the workplace may replace or inhibit positive work relationships because your most important relationship is with whatever technology drives your position.

You’re not alone if you think this is a tricky and unprecedented environment to navigate – it is. The goal of being happy in your job is not new. When you strip away all the modern bells and whistles, commerce is still run by people (for the most part) and traditional ways of doing business are still the best course for professionals who believe the Harvard study’s conclusion that “if you are more connected to people, you feel more satisfied with your job, and do better work.” So, if personal fulfillment through collaboration is important to you, please consider the following:

• When you’re looking for a job, pay attention to the company’s culture. Do your homework and see if the company emphasizes employee wellness. Be aware that cultures change, but try to make an informed decision.

• Nurture your professional network year-round. You can’t create positive meaningful work relationships if you don’t put in the work. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but maximize the chances by spending the time to develop your networks.

• Don’t skip the small human touches. Not everything should be automated. Simple professional courtesies go a long way when developing relationships with co-workers and clients.

• Be a great co-worker. Sometimes that’s not easy but try every day.

• Join professional organizations. They are a great way to connect with more people who share your expertise.

Philip Roufail contributed to this article.

Scott Singer is the President and Founder of Insider Career Strategies Resume Writing & Career Coaching, a firm dedicated to guiding job seekers and companies through the job search and hiring process. Insider Career Strategies provides resume writing, LinkedIn profile development, career coaching services, and outplacement services. You can email Scott Singer at scott.singer@insidercs.com, or via the website, www.insidercs.com.