But OK isn't OK all of the time. It's a feeling of being stuck that can hinder both personal fulfilment and workplace performance. Feeling just OK can signal that something is off, even if it's not glaringly obvious.

While OK might not seem alarming at first glance, it’s not an ideal state. In fact, staying in this space can present significant risks for both individuals and teams. Research shows that teams where the majority of employees are feeling only OK are nearly three times more likely to miss their targets and experience higher turnover rates compared to happier teams. This underscores the importance of addressing this state before it becomes the norm.

Why we can get stuck in OK

One reason many people remain in an OK state is that there’s no strong push to change. Unlike unhappiness, which often compels action, feeling OK doesn’t create urgency. It’s a passive state, where things aren't great, but they aren't terrible either. People feel comfortable enough to maintain the status quo but aren't inspired to reach for more.

Sometimes, people are simply grateful to have a job. This sense of gratitude can suppress the desire to express dissatisfaction or push for improvements. And the relatively new ways of working for many, such as hybrid and flexible working, has led to a lack of face-to-face interactions, which can contribute to a feeling of disconnection, with employees sometimes finding it harder to build meaningful connections or feel engaged with their teams.

Why happiness matters

Happiness at work isn’t just a perk; it’s essential for both personal and business success. Teams that feel happy are more likely to be engaged, creative, and productive. They are also more likely to stay with their organizations, reducing turnover costs and fostering long-term growth.

When you take steps to move from OK to happy, you’re not just improving your own work experience — you’re contributing to a healthier, more vibrant team dynamic. At Friday Pulse, we understand the importance of happiness in the workplace, and we encourage everyone to take an active role in creating environments where happiness can thrive.

How to move from OK to happy

The good news is that moving from OK to happy is possible. Here are some actionable steps you and your team can take to break out of the OK funk and cultivate a more fulfilling work experience:

1. Start meaningful conversations: One of the best ways to move beyond OK is by opening up conversations about how people are really feeling. Don’t settle for surface-level answers. Ask open-ended questions that invite deeper reflection and discussion. And when teams talk openly about their experiences, they can uncover underlying issues and collaborate on solutions, so...

2. Make time for team reflection: Regularly reflecting as a team can foster stronger connections and generate more creativity. Set aside time each week to review what went well and what didn’t using the Presentation, found on your Friday Pulse Dashboard. These discussions help build trust, enhance collaboration, and ultimately contribute to higher levels of happiness and productivity.

3. Prioritize consistent engagement: Moving from OK to happy isn’t a one-time effort. Consistency is key. Teams that regularly check in with each other, whether through surveys or structured conversations, tend to be more resilient and adaptive. Don’t wait for quarterly reviews to ask how someone is feeling — make it a habit to engage frequently and thoughtfully.

4. Find and focus on neutral areas: Data from Friday Pulse shows that employees who feel stuck in OK don’t usually have major problems; rather, they tend to feel neutral in several areas. This is actually a sign of optimism because it means improvements can be made by shifting from neutral to positive in just a few key areas. Identify which areas of your work experience feel neutral, and focus on making small but impactful changes.

5. Celebrate achievements: Often, we move so quickly from one task to the next that we don’t take time to appreciate what’s been accomplished. Make it a habit to regularly reflect on both your individual and team achievements. And acknowledging progress together is a great way to boost morale and cultivate a sense of purpose at work.

6. Show appreciation: Simple acts of appreciation can go a long way in shifting the mood from OK to happy. Take time to thank your colleagues for their hard work, offer encouragement, or simply check in to see how they’re doing. A little appreciation is good for individuals, and it can create a ripple effect, ultimately building a more positive team culture.