Finding Joy in Your Work: My Journey to Building a Happier Workplace

Let's face it—work isn't always a walk in the park. We've all had those moments when tasks feel like a grind, motivation fades, and happiness takes a backseat. But what if work could be more than just a daily obligation? What if it could actually be a source of joy? Given how much time we spend at work every day (!!), finding joy at work is also the key to living a happy life.

I've been there. A big part of my journey to building HeyTaco came from my search for work happiness. Before starting the company, I went through burnout—the kind that makes you question everything. During COVID-19, as a solo entrepreneur, I was stretched thin, working harder but not smarter. The stress and pressure kept building until I knew something had to change. That's when I realized the key was making work more enjoyable, not just for myself but for others, too. Helping myself and others find joy and meaning in their work became a focus.

I started reflecting on the kind of workplace I wanted to create—one that felt different from the toxic environments I had experienced. I didn't want work to feel like a burden. I wanted to build a company that prioritized people over performance, where employees felt appreciated and valued, and, most importantly, where they could have fun and find joy in their work.

Why Fun and Happiness Matter

Fun at work is more than just a perk—it's a game-changer. A happy, fun-filled workplace boosts engagement, motivation, creativity, and the quality of work. It's not about ping-pong tables or Friday happy hours but about creating a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and part of a larger mission.

I've seen firsthand why having fun at work matters through teams using HeyTaco. Sending 'tacos' back and forth is a playful way to show appreciation, but the impact of that fun goes much deeper. It turns small acts of recognition into meaningful connections, which, over time, builds trust, collaboration, and a happier workplace. People often ask if tacos are too silly, and I always tell them that's exactly why they work. The fun of it encourages people to share appreciation, making it even more powerful.

What You Can Do to Find Happiness at Work

Whether you're leading a team or just looking for more fulfillment in your workday, here are a few things I've learned on my journey that might help you find more happiness at work:

1). Create Moments of Fun
Fun doesn't have to be forced. It's about creating moments that make you smile, laugh, or feel connected to your colleagues. Find opportunities to lighten up your day, whether through small team-building activities, celebrating wins, or simply taking a moment to recognize and appreciate the people you work with.

One of my favorite ways to create fun moments with our team is to tell them stories from my youth and the silly things I did before HeyTaco. When I get into a story-telling mode, they jokingly call me 'Grandpa-Doug' (I am not that old), but those stories stick and cause a good laugh. 

2). Focus on Relationships
The relationships we build at work play a huge role in how happy we feel. Getting caught up in tasks and deadlines is easy, but investing time in getting to know your coworkers can make all the difference. Deep connections foster trust and collaboration, making the work environment more supportive and enjoyable.

That means taking the time to chat with a teammate when they need help fixing a bug or want to talk about their thoughts. It is easy to skip those small chats because 'we have things to do,' but I always find those chats leave me energized and even more connected to my teammates.

3). Celebrate the Small Wins
At HeyTaco, we've learned the power of celebrating small wins. In our pursuit of big goals, we often overlook the small victories. But these moments matter—they can boost morale and provide the energy to keep pushing forward.

You won't be surprised to hear we also use HeyTaco. ;) I love seeing the #tacos channel light up with tacos sent by the team for things big and small. As a solopreneur, I never had that, and I love that I also get to use HeyTaco now. 

4). Find Meaning in Your Work
Happiness at work doesn't always come from external perks—it's also about feeling that your work has meaning. Take time to reflect on what you love about your role or the impact you're making, no matter how small. Sometimes, a shift in perspective can bring a renewed sense of purpose.

When I get in a rut, I like to jump into the customer support inbox and see what issues people are having or what they love about HeyTaco. I'll also reach out to some long-time customers I haven't spoken with in a while and see how they are doing. Connecting to them reminds me how the work I do today (which is further removed from code) impacts them and gives me a renewed sense of purpose.

5). Take Care of Yourself
Finally, remember to take care of yourself. I learned this the hard way during my burnout experience. You can't pour from an empty cup, and sometimes, finding happiness at work means stepping back to recharge and prioritize your well-being. Your well-being is important, and taking a step back when necessary is okay.

Prioritize activities outside of work that refill your cup. Spending time with my family and working with my hands recharges me, so I focus on those before anything else.

Building a Happier Work Life

Creating a happier work environment wasn't just about building a business—it was about building a life where work felt fulfilling, fun, and meaningful. That's exactly the kind of culture I set out to create at HeyTaco—a place where people feel appreciated, connected, and genuinely happy to show up every day.

It took me a while to get there, and the journey wasn't always easy, but it's been worth it. If you're struggling to find joy in your work, know it's possible to change. Whether you start by creating fun moments, building deeper connections, or simply taking a break to recharge, you can make a more positive, fulfilling work life. Just know that joy in your work is within reach.

Ultimately, happiness at work isn't just a nice thing to have—it's a key ingredient to thriving personally and professionally.

Thanks for reading! 🌮
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