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Calling Cupid: How to Love Your Job

By Job Journey on Monday, February 13, 2017

For many employees, much of their time is spent in the workplace. So, being happy in your job is a very important part of your overall health and satisfaction. But, finding that happiness isn’t always easy.

If you don’t enjoy your work life as much as you could, take some time this Valentine’s Day to fall in love with your job. To help you channel your inner Cupid, we’ve outlined eight tips below!

Set boundaries

When you want to stand out in the workplace or make a great impression on your supervisor, it’s easy to let your work bleed over into your personal life. Answering a few emails at night, or working on a timely presentation during the weekend is fine, right? Not always. In fact, setting boundaries that encourage a strong work/life balance can help you better recognize the value in your job and increase your performance. According to the Huffington Post, setting boundaries “does require that you make your work hours more productive, but by not working outside of work, you’ll get the rest you need to be energized, and get more done while you’re there!”

Recognize your value

It’s easy to think your work is lackluster if you don’t understand the benefit you provide your company, or its customers. Take some time to evaluate the positive impact your workplace has on others, and determine where you fit into that experience. For example, if you work in customer service, explore the ways in which you help customers solve problems or offer solutions. If you work in a manufacturing company, think about the end use of the products you help build. Chances are, those products add ease, entertainment, or benefit to the lives of your customers. When you can recognize the value you add to your company, or even your community, you may discover a stronger sense of purpose in your work.

Focus on the perks

Even if you’re truly dissatisfied with your job, there’s bound to be at least one thing you do enjoy about your work. Take a moment to list all of the things you like about your job, as well as the benefits your company offers. This may include health insurance, opportunities to volunteer, paid time off, holiday time, or other benefits. What about the company dress code? Is there coffee in the break room? Does your workplace offer a cafeteria, gym, or park? Maybe it’s your co-workers who make your day enjoyable. Whatever the perks may be, write them down and put them into perspective.

Eliminate boredom

If you’re bored at work, you’re probably not going to enjoy it. Instead of dwelling on repetitive tasks or projects that bring you down, challenge yourself to look for things that may bring you more joy. For example, if you’re required to perform the same series of tasks every day, try to liven up your routine. This may be as simple as getting up and walking around the office after you complete a task, or competing with a co-worker to see who can be more productive. You may also consider volunteering for new assignments and projects, if your schedule allows. This way, you can try new things and show your supervisor that you’re willing to step in when needed.

Grow your skills

When you allow yourself to learn a new skill, you open up a world of possibilities. Plus, you may find renewed enjoyment out of your work. Consider signing up for an educational program, joining a group in your industry, or researching trends that are relevant to your business. You could even start a group among your co-workers to read new books, present findings, or learn from each other. Chances are, the skills you learn will help you in your role, as well as reignite your passion for the work you do.

Find your happy place

We’ve all heard the advice to “find your happy place.” But, what does that actually mean? In short, it’s just a reminder to find a mental state that encourages you to relax, recharge, and calm down. When your workday gets stressful or you feel overwhelmed, find your happy place. It could be the beach where you last vacationed, the recliner in your living room, or the kitchen of a family member. Wherever your happy place is, create a strong mental picture and explore that image when you become bogged down. According to a Forbes article, “The very action of directing your attention away from your work opens up the door in your day for a respite, a restart, and a new view. It’s reviving and centering at the same time.”

Respect your clock
If you’re not prioritizing your tasks, you may sacrifice both productivity and happiness. Instead of working around the clock on the wall, learn to work around your biological clock. When you wake up and start your day, your energy levels are typically pretty high. You haven’t exerted much energy yet, and your body isn’t as tired as it may be later in the day. Use that time to tackle difficult tasks on your to-do list, and save easier tasks for the afternoon slump. This may help you prioritize your work, increase productivity, and eliminate burnout.

Take a break
Ask yourself this question: Do you take breaks at work? Not bathroom breaks or trips to the water fountain, but actual breaks that allow your mind and body to recharge? If you’re not taking small breaks throughout your day, you may overwork yourself, which can lead to dissatisfaction in the workplace. When your schedule allows, take a few minutes to stop what you’re doing and recharge your batteries. Simply standing up and stretching can help you refocus on your work and eliminate stress. Consider adding a reminder to your calendar that will alert you every few hours to stand up, get a drink, or take a look outside. When you find ways to relax and reconnect with your work, you may learn to love it.

What do you love about your job? Share your stories in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Leadership

Everyday Habits That Make You a Better Leader

By Job Journey on Friday, March 4, 2016

Becoming a great leader doesn’t take a lifetime of work. Rather, there are everyday habits you can start right now that will help you learn to successfully lead others. From communicating effectively to being courageous in the face of adversity, these tips can help you mold yourself into the leader you want to be today.

Learn to set clear expectations.
It’s fair to say that no one can read minds. So, it’s especially important to make sure you are setting clear expectations before starting a project or delegating an assignment. If you’re leading people on a project, ensure you’re being precise, both verbally and in writing, about what is expected and when you expect the work to be completed. If you’re being assigned a task, make sure you ask questions that clearly establish the expectations of your job before you start. By clarifying expectations, you decrease the opportunity for problems to arise and make it easier to deal with them when they do.

Focus on people.
If you’re a supervisor or a leader of others, it’s important to visit with your teammates on a frequent basis. Investing time in your co-workers helps grow your team and build trust, accountability, and understanding. And strengthening your relationships with those you lead helps you give important feedback during annual reviews. If you aren’t in a leadership position yet, the same rules apply. Getting to know your co-workers and being someone people trust is a great way to help you move up the ladder and get noticed.

Get involved.
One of the easiest ways to gain experience, network, and build your resume is through volunteering. When you give your time to help with community service or an organization that’s important to you, you’ll gain valuable relationships, enjoy the feeling of giving back, and gain skills you may not have otherwise. You may also learn how to lead others, which can be a valuable tool back at the office.

Be brave.
When faced with difficult decisions, leaders have to be brave. In fact, employees will often look to how a leader behaves during turbulent times before deciding how to react themselves. When you’re faced with adversity in the workplace or at home, take a deep breath and consider your options before moving forward. Remember to assess the outcomes of your decisions to learn from your mistakes and celebrate your accomplishments.

Know yourself.
According to Forbes, 90% of top performing leaders possess an abundance of self-awareness. Having a strong sense of self-awareness means you have a clear image of yourself, which includes your leadership style, strengths, weaknesses, and skills. You know where you can improve, and you know where you shine. Once you develop stronger self-awareness, you can craft a plan for improving areas that need work.

Hold yourself accountable.
When things go wrong, it’s easy to blame someone else. But, great leaders know when they’re at fault. Instead of shifting the blame to someone else, own up to your mistakes and any role you had in the problem. Don’t be afraid of what may happen when you’re honest, and never point the finger at those who are not at fault. Furthermore, be there to back up those who need you when things go wrong.

Love what you do.
When you’re passionate about something, it shows. And often, it’s contagious. Take time to be thankful for your job and gain enthusiasm for what you do so others can pick up on your energy. Strive to share the passion you have for your work with others before boredom and apathy take over your team.

How do you prepare yourself to be a successful leader? Share your tips in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to by Express Employment Professionals.

At Work

Start a Long-Term Engagement With Your Job

By Job Journey on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Falling in love and being engaged with your work is an ideal image that few believe they can achieve, but doing so can make you feel fulfilled, appreciated, and challenged.

The problem is, work is sometimes seen as an unavoidable necessity instead of a way to feel appreciated and successful. To help you commit to your work, we’ve listed some ways you can start a long-term engagement with your job!

Use your strength and talent to boost the relationship.
When you use your talents and strengths at work, you get a boost of self-esteem and are excited to go to your job every day. If you don’t know what those talents are, ask your supervisor and co-workers or pay attention to what you enjoy doing at work. Knowing your strengths also helps you prepare for yearly reviews with your boss.

Express gratitude.
Though it goes without saying that employees who are appreciated are more engaged, if your boss doesn’t easily hand out compliments, it’s up to you to feel gratitude. Learn how to be grateful for having a job, getting paid, and being part of the company. Allow yourself to feel good about your life, and find something about your job for which you are thankful.

Learn something new and exciting.
According to a study from the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, people who enjoy activities outside of work that are creative and fun perform better at the office. So, find something new and fun to do outside the office. Want to get better at computers? Take a course! Want to paint still-life flowers? Then, go do it! Trying new things and having a creative outlet can help you start a long-term engagement with your job.

Expand your role in the business.
Look for opportunities at work to share your talents and expertise. Volunteer to speak at a conference or write a blog for the company. If another department needs help in an area you’re an expert in, volunteer to help. Not only will you feel good about the value you bring to the company, but you can earn the respect and thanks of others in the company, too.

Commit to making a change.
If something isn’t working in your personal relationships and you know it’s because of you, you would work to make a change, right? Once you commit to a long-term engagement at work, you may have to change your habits. For example, if you take on projects that don’t challenge you because they are easy, seek out more challenging projects. If you struggle with one aspect of your job, ask for additional training or assistance. Create your own opportunities to be engaged like speaking up at meetings or joining a company challenge.

Still on the fence about committing to your work? Consider this: employees who are engaged and participate at work earn bigger rewards and feel more fulfilled than disengaged workers. When you start a long-term engagement with your job, you’ll gain better performance, faster personal growth, and enjoyable success.

What ways are you committed to being engaged at work? Share your tips with us in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

At Work

How to Fall In Love With Your Job

By Job Journey on Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and love is in the air. While you may love your family, friends, or pets, what about your job? Since you spend a majority of your life with your job, it’s important to love what you do.

Your attitude matters most when it comes to being happy with your role. Instead of asking how you can find a job that you’ll love, it may be time to shift your perspective by asking, “How can I love the job I have?”

So, what can you do to love your job?

1. Find pride and importance in what you do.
Take several minutes to really think about what you do. Do you feel you add an essential service? Are you proud of the finished product? Ask yourself how you fit into the success of the company and what would change if you weren’t there. Finding perspective on the role you play and remembering why you took the job in the first place may help in boosting your pride.

2. Stop thinking about money.
If money is your sole motivation for work, you may never be truly happy. Getting paid is only a small part of what you do. Work has to be fulfilling, as well as rewarding. If you aren’t getting as much pay as you like, focus on what you are accomplishing and who you help. Start finding ways to improve so that when you do ask for a raise, you’ll have a list of victories to show your boss.

3. Be thankful.
Even if you aren’t in the job of your dreams, you do have a job that pays. Find something every day to be thankful for, whether it’s the paycheck you receive, co-workers you encounter, a comfortable office chair, or the break room. Simple recognition of gratitude can completely change your perspective and allow you to enjoy your work.

4. Be engaged at work.
A recent Gallup poll reported that fewer than 27% of workers are truly engaged at work. Being engaged doesn’t necessarily mean you have the perfect job, but it does mean becoming involved no matter what the position. Recognize ways you can be creative or helpful so your work is not a source of unhappiness.

5. Make a change, even if it’s a small one.
Boredom can be a leading cause of job disengagement. Challenge yourself to take a single step toward changing your routine. Look for ways to be happier at work, then work to make it happen. Consider how you can continue your education or volunteer for new tasks around the office. The bonus is that your boss will notice your initiative.

6. Clean the clutter.
Clutter can be a mood killer. If you are overwhelmed with piles of paper, desk drawers that are crammed full, or an overflowing inbox, take the time to declutter your area. In fact, a recent report by OfficeMax found that office clutter undermines productivity and motivation.

How did you fall in love with your job? Do you have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

The Daily Grind

How To Love Your Job, Even On Mondays

By Job Journey on Wednesday, February 4, 2015

During the month of February, there is a lot of talk about love. But anyone who’s been in a relationship for a long period of time can tell you that there is a point where love becomes a choice. When the butterflies and honeymoon phases fade away, that’s where the work begins. And loving your job is no different.

The idea of someone loving their job can seem like a far-fetched dream. But the good news is that it just requires a person to keep working at it. “You don’t have to quit,” encourages a Fast Company article. “It is possible to rekindle that old spark.” Here are three helpful tips to keep your love for your job alive, even on Mondays.

Make a List
Every job has positive aspects to it, even if they don’t immediately come to mind. Take a few minutes and list out the good things about your job. Do you have fun co-workers, bring home a paycheck, have health insurance, or enjoy your projects? If the answer is yes, write it down. What about a flexible schedule, holidays off, travel opportunities, or an up-to-date computer? Those are all positives too.

Once you have some items on your list, post it where you can easily see it. You can always add more to it whenever you discover another aspect of your job you love. Then, when you’re having a tough start to the week or just struggling with liking your job, you can read through the list and give your attitude a boost.

Discover What You Can Change
As a Forbes article about loving your job pointed out, “boredom is often at the root of unhappiness at work.” It’s up to you to discover what areas you’re dissatisfied or bored with, and then map out a way to make some changes. “Challenge yourself to look for one area that would give you more joy at work and then make it happen.” It could be as simple as rearranging, decluttering, and decorating your desk space. Or perhaps it might be training yourself to do one of your tasks more effectively. Another aspect of this is seeking out new responsibilities. Forbes recommends that you “keep your ear to the ground to get the scoop on positions opening up or emerging projects — even if they’re short-term. Then throw your name into the hat.”

Remember Your End Goal
In the day-to-day distractions, it’s easy to forget your bigger purpose. But think back to when you first took this job. Most likely you were excited, and that’s probably because the job was a step toward a goal. Whatever that goal was – money to buy a house, getting your foot in the door at a great company, learning more about an industry that interests you – try and remember it. You’re at your job for a reason, and while this particular stretch of your journey may not be your favorite, take joy in the fact that you’re at least working toward your goal.

No one wants to be in a job they hate. After all, if you’re going to spend the majority of your waking hours at work, life will be much more enjoyable if you love your job. And that’s not an unrealistic dream. “Loving work is not as much a pipe dream as winning the lottery – it’s something far easier to achieve,” the Inc. article explains. “Loving your job is a skill and a practice,” so all you have to do is work at it.

What tips do you have for enjoying your job? Let us know in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.