Beyond one-size-fits-all: Creating work environments that support happiness

by Gretchen Rubin

Earlier this month, I wrote about understanding our own work styles and how aligning our routines with our natural preferences can boost happiness and productivity at work. (If you missed it, you can catch up here.)

But while self-knowledge is key, the environment in which you work is also crucial. Whether you’re working solo or managing a team, creating a supportive environment can affect performance. The challenge lies in the fact that there's no one-size-fits-all solution—each person has unique preferences and work styles that need to be accommodated.

In this newsletter, we’ll explore ways to shape your work environment and relationships to foster a positive, productive atmosphere for everyone involved.

Competition vs. Collaboration in the Workplace

In the workplace, some people are driven by competition—they thrive when they’re working to outpace others and achieve top results. Others are motivated by collaboration—they feel energized when they’re working with others toward a common goal. Understanding your preferences, and the preferences of those you work with, can help you tailor your approach to projects and create a more harmonious and effective team dynamic.

Try This at Work: If you’re motivated by competition, set personal goals or friendly challenges with colleagues to keep yourself engaged. If you’re a collaborator, focus on building strong partnerships and fostering teamwork. As a manager, consider balancing competitive and collaborative opportunities to meet the diverse needs of your team.

Learn More: Do You Prefer Cooperation or Competition?

Simplicity vs. Abundance in the Workplace

Your physical workspace can profoundly influence how you feel and function at work. Simplicity lovers are drawn to clean, uncluttered environments that offer a sense of calm and focus. Abundance lovers, on the other hand, thrive in spaces filled with variety, inspiration, and visual stimulation. If you work in a shared space, remember that other people may have different preferences and sensitivities, so be mindful of the sensory environment you create.

Try This at Work: If you’re a simplicity lover, declutter your workspace and minimize distractions to create a more serene environment. If you’re an abundance lover, personalize your space with objects, art, and tools that inspire you. As a manager, consider how you can accommodate both preferences within shared spaces, perhaps by offering flexible workstations or allowing employees to personalize their desks.

Learn More: Are You Drawn to Simplicity or Abundance?

Integrating vs. Compartmentalizing Work and Life

How do you balance work and personal life? Integrators blend the two seamlessly—they might check emails over the weekend or take work calls during personal time. Compartmentalizers, on the other hand, prefer to keep work and personal life distinctly separate, ensuring that each has its own dedicated time and space. Understanding your approach can help you set boundaries or create more fluidity in your work-life balance, leading to greater satisfaction.

Try This at Work: If you’re an integrator, find ways to incorporate breaks or social activities into your workday to maintain energy and prevent burnout. If you’re a compartmentalizer, establish clear boundaries between work and personal time, and communicate these boundaries to your colleagues. As a leader, respect these differences among your team members and provide flexibility where possible to support their work-life balance.

Learn More: Are You an Integrator or a Compartmentalizer?

The Four Tendencies in the Workplace

Understanding the Four Tendencies—Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel—can greatly enhance the way you interact with colleagues and manage your team. Each Tendency responds differently to internal and external expectations, which can influence how people approach their work, meet deadlines, and respond to leadership.

• Upholders meet both inner and outer expectations easily. They thrive on clear guidelines and structure.
• Questioners meet inner expectations but resist outer ones unless they make sense. They need to understand the "why" behind tasks.
• Obligers meet outer expectations but struggle with inner ones. They excel when they feel accountable to others.
• Rebels resist all expectations, both inner and outer. They need to feel a sense of autonomy and freedom in their work.

Try This at Work: Recognize the Tendencies of your team members and adjust your management style accordingly. For Upholders, provide clear instructions and deadlines. For Questioners, offer thorough explanations and rationales. For Obligers, create a sense of accountability through regular check-ins or by assigning them roles where they support others. For Rebels, allow for flexibility and give them choices in how they approach their work.

Learn More: Take the Four Tendencies quiz to find out if you’re an Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, or Rebel.

Creating a supportive work environment isn’t just about the physical space—it’s about understanding and respecting the diverse preferences of those around you. Whether you’re designing your workspace, managing team dynamics, or balancing work with personal life, small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in happiness and productivity. By recognizing and accommodating these differences, you can foster a work atmosphere where everyone feels energized, engaged, and supported.

Onward!

About the Author

Gretchen Rubin writes about habits, happiness, and human nature. Six of her books were New York Times bestsellers, including Life in Five Senses and The Happiness Project.

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