What does happiness mean to you?

Colleagues across RSK reflect on what ‘Build Back Happier’ means to them to mark International Day of Happiness 2022.?

?

“I’m happiest when my life has balance. I enjoy pursuing a meaningful career and developing my skills and knowledge. I also enjoy turning the laptop off, walking away and focusing on family life. I’m a better mother when I can also be an environmental scientist, and I’m a better professional when I have energy to invest in my family. To me, ‘Build Back Happier’ means simplifying and slowing down. It means taking the time to appreciate the different opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to experience and the new things I continue to learn, at work and at home.”??

Kimberley Hague, Environmental Scientist, Binnies?

“I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in August 2021 at the age of 50 and this meant a drastic reassessment of my life and goals. With the help of my amazing network of family, friends and colleagues, I’m getting to grips with the challenges ahead. The main thing has been accepting the situation and not allowing myself to be defined by my diagnosis. This mindset has enabled me to start getting back out on-site and do the part of the job I love most.?

“So many things make me happy! My wife and children, obviously. I also played a lot of football, starting as a goalkeeper from about age 6. I have been involved in football in some capacity all my life and I really miss it.?

“And, right now? The view across Dartmoor from my home office space! It’s a wonderfully warm, sunny day!”??

Stephen Watkins, Environmental Technician, Ecologia?

“I’m happiest visiting my hometown of Maastricht with my daughter and boyfriend: walking the streets where I walked growing up, eating the local food I used to eat and visiting my family. A trip down to memory lane. Whoops, am I getting old? ??. ?

“Also, when I use my ‘golden combination’ for life:??

• Be good to the people you know as well as those you don’t, and don’t expect anything back.??
• Watch and learn from kids: act free and don’t care what other people might think of you. They’re your mirror in life.??
• Be a little bit crazy and don’t take everything too seriously.??

“Often when people describe me, they use several beautiful words and at the end they say: ‘And you are a little bit crazy’ (in a good way ??). That is one of the biggest compliments you can give me!?

“Being there for my colleagues is my ’job’ (especially as a mental health first aider), but it is also who I am and what I stand for.”??

Hannah Bruijnen, Human Resources Officer, RSK Netherlands?

“Post pandemic, it’s fundamental that we get exploring again to experience different cultures or try new things while visiting somewhere we’ve never been. It’s therefore not surprising that I’m happiest when with my family and friends exploring somewhere new, whether in the UK or abroad. See me looking very happy in Ibiza last year.??

“I’m incredibly lucky to have such a supportive team of colleagues around me in my first ‘proper’ job. With a good mix of youth and experience, we challenge each other to develop as professionals, but equally we get on like a house on fire when it comes to socialising!”?

Evan Williams, Graduate Planning Consultant, ADAS Planning?

“Well, I’m always happiest when I’m drawing or painting. It is completely immersive and absorbing – what people call mindfulness I guess. I studied design at university but only started painting in 2016. I love to paint animals, so a trip to Chester Zoo with my sketchbook is the perfect day! In 2018, I decided to really challenge myself and learn oil painting and portraiture. There are days when a drawing or a painting is just bin fodder, but if it makes you happy, do it!”??

Lisa Smith, Divisional Performance Manager, RSK??

“Yep, we’ve just won! ???

“That was the message I shared with my wife on the group chat. It wasn’t the rollover jackpot on the National Lottery, but it felt like it. I didn’t play; I was a mere spectator. After losing 30 consecutive cricket matches, my son’s colts cricket team won their first match. Happiness and joy took over. Success sparks joy. Joy fuels further success, as the team went on to win a string of matches, including the knock-out cup. ?

“The happiness from watching and contributing to a team and individuals achieving success that is clearly visible in sports is the same at work. I have the privilege and pleasure of working with many graduates at Binnies and being involved in the International Water Association Young Water Professionals conferences, where I see talented engineers and scientists who have the ability and desire to drive sustainable solutions across the world…and that makes me happy.” ???

Tony Koodie, Regional Process Director Europe and Asia, Binnies?

?

RSK’s chosen charity for 2022 is MIND. Colleagues across the RSK family chose MIND to reflect the value we place in supporting the wellbeing of our colleagues and ourselves. Wellbeing is at the heart of what we do, so we encourage colleagues across all areas of the group to join our wellbeing champions and mental health first aiders programmes.?

If you would like to sign up as a wellbeing champion, mental health first aider or sleep ambassador, please get in touch with your line manager or human resources officer for more information.??