The most elusive words for any employee in today’s time are “successful” and “happy”, probably.
With the job market just getting more and more competitive, employers trying to save their own money, the absolute impossibility of having a work-life balance, and the latest dangers of AI encroaching on jobs, it is not really a very ‘happy’ time for many employees.
However, an American CEO seems to have spoken about some traits he has seen commonly among employees who have managed to achieve being successful and happiness in their professional lives. He outlined consistent traits that separate employees who flourish, professionally and emotionally, from those who struggle or stagnate.
What Did The CEO Say?
In an article for CNBC Make It, William Vanderbloemen, the CEO of an executive search firm based in Houston, Texas, pointed out the six common traits that, according to him, are hallmarks of employees who combine success with satisfaction.
Author of a book titled “Work How You Are Wired: 12 Data-Driven Steps to Finding a Job You Love,” he claims to have interviewed over 30,000 candidates and surveyed 7,000 professionals.
Build Good Relations With The Boss
One of the first things is building a good relationship with one’s boss or supervisor. He advised that employees should not expect their boss to guess who they are, what skills they have, or how they want to be managed.
Instead, employees should take the initiative to “try to share the information they’ll need about you to support you.”
He further wrote that this will “help a good boss become a great boss or let you know that your boss isn’t the right fit for you.”
Maintain Work-Life Balance
Balancing one’s work and personal life is something that is advised by everyone. However, Vanderbloemen did point out that this balance isn’t identical for everyone. There is no one shoe that fits, or a particular wrong or right way to achieve that balance.
Some might want clear boundaries between their work and personal life, while others might want some fluidity just so it doesn’t become a stressor for them in its own way.
The key, according to him, is finding “a job that respects your style.”
Read More: Why Are Employees Being Asked To Work Without Shoes?
Don’t Hesitate To Ask For A Raise
Financial happiness is another important thing employees should not ignore. Vanderbloemen argues that the financial stress from being unable to meet basic needs can really take a toll on a person and their happiness.
He wrote, “If your basic needs aren’t met in the form of a fair, living wage, you’re not going to be happy even if many other happy-at-work boxes are checked.”
In his view, doing work you love is meaningful only if you also earn enough to feel secure and respected.
He’s added that “Everyone deserves to be paid what their work is worth,” and urged employees not to hesitate or be scared of asking for a raise if they feel it’s deserved.
Ask for autonomy and flexibility
Happiness is higher when employees are treated as responsible adults, with room to self-manage and control how they work.
Vanderbloemen calls micromanagement a morale killer. Autonomy signals trust; flexibility in schedule, approach, and location allows employees to align work with their personal rhythms and constraints, reducing friction and stress.
He advised employees not to be afraid of asking for this if they don’t think they’re getting it enough, and the reaction of their employers could actually help them make future plans. He wrote, “If your employer says no, it might be time to look for a similar position elsewhere that gives you a bit more credit.”
Focus On Professional Development
Vanderbloemen also emphasised that an employee seeing growth and progress in a job is important. He states that opportunities to learn, evolve, and expand one’s role are critical, as they ensure that work doesn’t stagnate or become a dead end.
However, he cautions that this growth might not be a priority to one’s boss, so do not expect them to create ways for you to grow. This is why employees themselves need to advocate for their career and its development.
He wrote that employees should “Think about skills that could help you in your current role and the ones you want in the future, and find professional development opportunities to match. Many companies have budgets for these things — like tuition reimbursement benefits — so be sure to take advantage of that.”
Sense Of Purpose At Job
The sixth point he wrote about was that employees finding “a sense of purpose and believing in your work is a key component to workplace happiness.”
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, Moneycontrol
Find the blogger: @chirali_08
This post is tagged under: Employees, Employees traits, Employees successful, Employees happy, work life balance, job growth, professional happiness, employee happiness
Disclaimer: We do not hold any rights or copyright over any of the images used; these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly email us.
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