by ABFRLadmin | March 20, 2025
Let’s be honest, work isn’t always a walk in the park. Some days, the to-do list feels endless, deadlines creep up faster than expected, and bandwidth refuses to cooperate. But then, there are moments that make it all worth it. Like when a colleague cracks a joke that has you laughing till your stomach hurts, or when someone leaves a cup of chai on your desk just because they know you need it. Maybe it’s that satisfying feeling of knowing you’re surrounded by people who’ve got your back.
So today, as we celebrate International Day of Happiness, we’re turning the spotlight inward, exploring what brings joy to our workplace and beyond. Let’s hear first-hand from our colleagues, Shreya Chitlange, Vineet Pareek, Anitta Abraham, Anindya Sarkar, Priyanka Sawant, and Payal Hotchandani.
5 Happiness Boosters At ABFRL
1. The Sweet, Sweet Deadline Rush
It sounds counterintuitive, but meeting deadlines brings a thrill like no other, according to Vineet Pareek, a Manager in Space Planning, Pantaloons. The last-minute chases, and the relief of wrapping up a task? Unmatched! And we agree! Because think about it – is there anything better than the feeling of ticking off a major task and exhaling that “Finally, it’s done” sigh?
2. Caffeine To The Rescue
Show of hands for making a steaming cup of coffee the official ABFRL mascot (cheers to those who actually raised their hands reading this). Anitta Abraham, a Senior Executive from Planning
International Brands, enjoys a coffee break just as much as the rest of us love heading to the cafeteria for a quick chai pe charcha, or even bonding over mutual caffeine addiction (guilty!). These are the rituals that truly keep us sane (and awake) at work.
3. An Organised Desk = A Clear Mind
Shreya Chitlange, an Intern in Human Resources from Pantaloons, finds it deeply satisfying to sit down in a tidy workspace. Maybe it’s the way a clean desk clears your thoughts or how a perfectly arranged to-do list gives a sense of control. Whatever it is, many of us agree with Shreya – an organised space truly makes for a happy start!
4. The Office Comedians
Every team has them, the ones who can turn a dull day into a fun one. As Priyanka Sawant, an Assistant Manager in Corporate Communications puts it, hanging out with “my downright hilarious colleagues” is one of the best parts of work. Whether it’s the sarcasm that flies during meetings or the classic inside jokes that never get old, the laughter makes the grind easier. And she’s seconded by Payal Hotchandani,, Assistant Manager, Controllership & Taxation whose favourite thing about work is meeting her pleasant colleagues and learning something new every day.
5. The People Who Have Your Back
A workplace is only as good as the people in it. The biggest happiness booster? Having a supportive environment. It’s the small acts of kindness that make all the difference. Like helping a new colleague figure out the printer, introducing them to the right people, or offering a pep talk on tough days. Some of us have even had colleagues step in during personal struggles, proving that we’re not just a workplace, we’re a community that takes care of each other.
Small Joys Beyond The Office
While we’re spreading our fair share of happiness around the office, a few simple things outside the office can turn a bad day into a good one in the blink of an eye. Here’s what our colleagues have to say about this:
1. A World Without Traffic (we wish!)
Ask Anitta Abraham, and she’ll tell you – nothing compares to a commute without traffic. And let’s be real, there’s no greater luxury in city life than breezing through roads without a single traffic signal stopping you.
2. The Joy Of Giving
For Vineet Pareek, happiness is in the simple act of feeding animals. And honestly, who doesn’t feel a little burst of joy when a street pup wags its tail at them?
3. Good Food = Good Mood
Anindya Sarkar keeps it simple – happiness is a plate of delicious food. It could be a home-cooked meal or your favourite cheat-day indulgence, food has an undeniable way of lifting spirits, doesn’t it?
Tips To Be Happy – From Team ABFRL
Our jolly team has shared a few tips and tricks to ensure the giggles and chuckles never end. Because who better to give happiness tips than the people who create joy in the workplace every day?
1. Stay grounded – According to Vineet Pareek, happiness comes from humility. Staying true to where you came from keeps you centered.
2. Kindness is a boomerang – Anitta Abraham believes that being kind to others automatically makes you happy. Even when people around you aren’t the most positive, your kindness can be your shield.
3. Start your day with yourself – Shreya Chitlange swears by morning affirmations. A quick self-check-in before diving into the day can set the right tone.
4. Smile, it’s contagious – Anindya Sarkar reminds us that a simple smile has the power to brighten someone else’s day – and in turn, your own.
5. Take it one step at a time – Payal Hotchandani offers a practical tip, “Don’t stress too much on work. Relax and complete your tasks one by one.” A calm mind is a happy mind.
6. Focus on the little things – Big milestones take time, but as Priyanka Sawant says, “Keep the focus on small joys; the big things will take care of themselves.”
A Reflection Of Our Culture
If there’s one takeaway from all of this, it’s that happiness at ABFRL is more than just perks and paychecks, it’s about people. The camaraderie, the support, the shared laughter – these are the things that make our workdays fulfilling.
We’re a team that values both the hustle and the fun, the independence and the collaboration, the individual wins and the collective success. And most importantly, we’re a team that understands that happiness isn’t something to wait for, it’s something to create!
Keep Smiling, And Making Others Smile
On this International Day of Happiness, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes our workdays brighter. Maybe it’s a work bestie, a perfectly brewed coffee, or that moment when you finally clear your inbox (some of you really need to :p). Whatever it is, hold onto it. Because at the end of the day, that’s what happiness is all about. So let’s make more jokes, more coffee, and live many more moments of joy, together!
