A workplace is where people spend the most time each day, but it is never easy to work happily every day. So where does real happiness at work come from?

On Jan. 13, online media outlet Gigazine cited Ioannis Krachioitis, a professor who teaches organisational psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University, proposing 5 ways to improve the mood of yourself and those around you at work.

Krachioitis said that when people feel they are receiving appropriate support from those around them, 3 psychological needs are better met. The 5 suggestions, based on this, present ways for both you and those around you to be happy.

First, help each other. Help does not have to be a big deal or take a long time. Simple advice or sharing how things are going can be enough. These small interactions strengthen a sense of connection and provide motivation to get through the day. Help is especially effective when it is two-way, so it is good to ask when you need it and offer first when you have room.

Second, acknowledge even small achievements. A sense of accomplishment is an important driver of happiness. It does not have to be completing a big project. Clearing backlogged emails or resolving a small task can be enough. A habit of recognising small successes yourself brings positive energy even outside work hours.

Third, give autonomy to yourself and others. Your mood changes when you give yourself leeway in how you approach work. Giving a colleague some discretion when you assign tasks deepens trust. Giving yourself room to breathe is also effective for maintaining focus and motivation.

Fourth, say a word at the end of the day. Before leaving work, a simple thanks or short conversation with a colleague changes the day’s atmosphere. Positive relationships built up this way become solid support you can rely on when things are difficult.

Fifth, check your psychological balance. Fatigue sets in if autonomy, a sense of accomplishment or relationships are lacking in any way. Rather than trying to satisfy every need perfectly, you need to identify what you currently lack and make an effort to restore balance. The moment you recognise a deficit, you can start taking action to fill it.

In the end, happiness at work comes not from big achievements but from small daily practices and psychological balance. Krachioitis advised, "Rather than trying to do everything perfectly, it is important to realise which needs you currently lack."