Happiness Survey

My job had us all take a Happiness Survey prior to a “wellness” meeting. Some of the physicians took the survey and most of them got  a “C” or less. I took the survey and got an “A”. An “A” means I am very happy. The physicians joked that of course I am happy because I get to travel and work in different places for 3 months and move on.

The survey asked questions related to 3 topics to get our score. The first topic was about Purpose. It asked questions about your passions, sense of meaning and connection. Some questions included if you set goals for yourself and work towards them. If you feel your work is fulfilling etc.

The second topic focused on Pleasure. It asked questions related to your everyday positive emotions and experiences. The third topic was about pride. It asked questions to assess your level of satisfaction in the major areas of your life.

I thought about possible reasons the physicians scored so low. I think some reasons were because the survey asked how much time off do you take for vacation. I take 8 weeks or more off a year, and the physicians take off way less. It also asked if you meditate or do yoga. Most of the physicians are too busy for these kinds of things. I don’t necessary meditate or do yoga, but I do read a lot and I think it provides the same experience for me that mediation does – which is relaxation and reflection.

Other questions asked about how many friends can you call if you have an emergency, I was lucky to have at least a dozen friends for this. It asked about being fulfilled at work, which I definitely feel. The survey asked about volunteering which I have always been active in. It asked about level of physical activity, and I try to work out 5 days a week for 1 hour when I am not on vacation.

Furthermore, the survey asked about positivity and outlook on life. I am definitely not the most positive person in the world, but I have a sense of being grateful. So I don’t let the little things phase me and I tend to have a very calm persona.

The test asked some financial questions as well. For instance, one question asked if you can afford to take 1 year off from work financially, which I answered yes. Even though physicians make a lot of money, most of them have a lot of student loans to pay off and family to support. That may have contributed to their lower score.

You should take the test via the link below and let me know what grade you get!

https://apps.bluezones.com/en/happiness