Graças a Deus é segunda feira: a felicidade a caminho do trabalho

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the conceptions of happiness in the work of public servants of a public higher education institution. The constitution of the happiness at work construct represents a challenge for researchers, interested in understanding what it means to be happy at work. The research had a qualitative approach to the problem, and the semi-structured interview was applied as a research tool, applied to twelve public servants. Data analysis was performed using the Iramuteq software, using Descending Hierarchical Classification and Factor Analysis by Correspondence. The results identified that the participants perceive happiness at work through four main pillars: physical and safety conditions in the work environment, interpersonal relationships between co-workers and students, the nature of the work and the relevance, significance and identity. In conclusion, the meanings given to work by those who do it are decisive for the development of recurring feelings of happiness at work. As a contribution this work, besides giving greater visibility and favoring the scientific discussion about happiness at work, cooperates for the academic production of the area of Positive Psychology.