Good Job!

I read an article the other day that suggested that those that work in unhealthy work environments have a lower mental health score than those that are unemployed. An unhealthy work environment would include ‘having a demanding job without any security or fair compensation, ’.
Over the years, I’ve been a (full or part time) mushroom picker, enumerator,  clerk at a police station, municipal hall receptionist , classroom teacher, home educator, tutor, ginseng root picker, and online support teacher.

Strangely enough, I still have fond memories of mushroom picking (my very first job at age 13).  Now, that was not a highly lucrative, challenging job by any means (and not one I planned to make a career out of), but in some strange way, it met almost all of the criteria for what makes a ‘good job’ (okay, it’s a bit of a stretch..).  I could see that what I did made a difference (empty mushroom houses!), I worked with a group of friends every Saturday, I could challenge myself to pick faster (and the stats were posted on a wall for all to see), and we could laugh and joke (which we did!) while we worked.
You see, it seems that the best jobs are those that meet the four major psychological needs that all people have:
1) power 
2) the sense that one belongs
3) the freedom to move and grow
4) the need to have fun and laughter
Do you agree with this list? Is something missing?
I tend to think that #4 is non-negotiable. If there is not some way to incorporate a little fun and laughter in those 40 hours of work each week… well, I think that would not bode well for most people. We all need moments of levity in our day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.  You know what they say about laughter  being good medicine.
And I think it’s often up to the individual to make this happen. The work itself doesn’t have to be fun. For example, I have a few colleagues that I joke around with on email. Every once in a while, we communicate back and forth about silly things. It’s a great way to take a little break from the seriousness of the work. As well, I am blessed to work from home, so I can often take breaks  (i.e. meet friends for coffee!) when I want.
How do you incorporate laughter and lightheartedness in your day? Does that make a difference to you?