To Be Happier at Work, Invest More in Your Relationships

Research across organizations and industries shows that our understanding of what leads to professional satisfaction is often misplaced. Many of us strive for a meaningful job, an impressive title, or a sizable salary at the ideal company. In doing so, we drastically undervalue the importance of relationships, even though extensive research shows that it’s people, not the perfect job, that lead to fulfillment. In interviews with a diverse group of 160 people from a range of industries and positions, researchers found that flourishing in your career depends as much on your relationships, both in and out of work, as it does on your job itself. People whose work is mundane or demanding are just as likely to feel satisfied and fulfilled as those with fun or inspiring jobs if they proactively invest in relationships that nourish them and create a sense of purpose.