Take Your Job And Love It

No matter how you spend your 9-to-5 (or, let’s be real, 7-to-7), you can make it feel less like work. Taking control of little things—say, by decorating your desk with succulents or art—can increase your performance and happiness by helping you feel more invested in your space, says Craig Knight, Ph.D., an expert in organizational psychology. Turn the page for more easy yet transformative ideas.

GET EVERYONE TO BE NICER

“When you encounter a rude associate, your brain is more likely to interpret future interactions negatively,” says Trevor Foulk, Ph.D., assistant professor of management and organization at the University of Maryland. In other words, grumpiness is contagious. Start a positive cycle with thoughtful gestures, like going on snack runs or saying thank you more often, which studies show can lead to higher employee satisfaction. Also, feel free to gossip—just focus on the good kind. Research suggests that sharing something positive about your day with a peer, whether it’s a rare compliment from your boss or a funny text from your kids, makes you more content.

GO ON THE BEST BREAK