How to Build Fulfilling Careers Without Sacrificing Joy

Tracy Brower, PhD sociologist and Vice President of Workplace Insights at Steelcase, is an author, award-winning speaker, and senior contributor to Forbes and Fast Company. Her research on happiness, fulfillment, and the future of work has reached global audiences across 24 languages.

In an engaging interaction with Global Woman Leader Magazine, Tracy shares her insights on how women leaders can cultivate fulfilling careers while nurturing joy and well-being.

As the author of ‘The Secrets to Happiness at Work and Bring Work to Life and Crucial Connections’, Dr Tracy touches on key themes that have emerged in her research. She talks about the role of happiness in productivity and the evolving opportunities to shape purposeful, human-centered workplaces.

To understand the Mantra to build fulfilling careers, read the following interview.

In today’s fast-evolving workplace, which critical factors should women leaders focus on to build a fulfilling career without compromising their personal joy and well-being?

A great career can itself be a source of joy, wellbeing and fulfillment, so women are wise to be intentional about their choices throughout their careers. Purpose, growth and connections are especially significant for happiness and fulfillment. Look for work in which you’re doing things you love, but that are also important to you. We all have an instinct to matter so women can remind themselves of their impact. Also seek opportunities to learn, grow and stretch, expanding skills and capabilities. And build strong relationships with others.

My new book, Crucial Connections dives into the science and significance of connections in life and work. The research is compelling that fostering community is a pathway to greater fulfillment.  

Your research highlights the connection between happiness and productivity at work. How can women leaders leverage this insight to design workplaces that support career success and life satisfaction?

Happiness is indeed significantly correlated with performance. When we’re able to contribute and perform well, we tend to have a greater sense of esteem and wellbeing.

Women leaders can design work and life they love by ensuring their work environment supports all the ways they work from focusing and collaborating to learning, socializing and rejuvenating.

And they can design cultures with four attributes: strong vision, mission and direction; opportunities for involvement and participation; consistency and clear processes; as well as adaptability to the market, customers and competitors.

It’s also healthy to foster a sense of accountability and obligation within our groups and organizations. We feel most fulfilled not only when we receive support from others, but when we provide support and take responsibility for being in community with others.

How does the philosophy of bringing life to work empower women leaders to redefine success in ways that integrate personal values, purpose, and professional growth?

We know that work spills over into life, but the opposite is also true: When you’re more satisfied outside of work, you’ll perceive greater happiness within your work as well. Knowing this, women can think broadly of success.

In fact, when we define success in terms of career as well as all our activities outside of work, we tend to experience greater happiness.

It’s healthy to get a sense of positive identity from work, and women can also seek “dimensionality” in which they’re also nurturing their sense of identity through their roles with family, friends or their community. It’s also healthy to normalize challenges.

There will always be ups and downs in work and life. It’s unrealistic to try and create a life without stress or struggle, but women can build resilience so they can persevere through inevitable challenges across the seasons of life.

Which specific organizational policies or leadership behaviors are most effective in helping women leaders build joyful, sustainable careers and how can companies institutionalize them?

One of the leadership behaviors that is a surefire way to build joy is through the expression of empathy. Empathy has been correlated with significant positive outcomes for organizations, including greater performance, retention and innovation. But it also boosts our feelings of happiness and fulfillment. Initiative and curiosity are also great strategies for building joyful careers.

We tend to think that saying no and setting boundaries are keys to wellbeing and they are certainly important. But saying yes to things that we’re curious about and energized by is also a powerful way to feel joy.

Women can also mentor others and seek mentoring for themselves as well.

And women can also set up small groups of professionals in which they can connect, bond and coach each other. Likewise, organizations should offer plenty of development, job growth options, mentorship programs and opportunities to be part of affinity groups.

As the future of work evolves, what opportunities do women leaders have to shape workplaces centered on happiness? What guidance would you offer to those aiming to lead this transformation?

We are at a critical point in which we’re talking about the nature and purpose for work on a global scale. Technology is also reshaping not just the way we work, but the work itself. Women can take advantage of this moment by investing in their own skills and capabilities and leaning into doing great work. The primary way we learn is through watching others, listening to them and experiencing them, and women can have a significant influence.

Demonstrate passion and stretch out of comfort zones. Prioritize relationships, empathy and compassion. Validate yourself and your own impact and recognize and appreciate others as well. These kinds of actions create powerful outcomes for women themselves, but also positive examples that influence broadly toward a positive future of work and life.