November is National Gratitude Month. And, there’s a lot to be thankful for in our every day lives.
When we think of the things we are grateful for we automatically think of our personal lives—family, friends, and experiences. But what about our professional lives? We should also consider what we’re thankful for at work. We spend approximately 2,080 hours at work yearly. Surely, there’s got to be something to be grateful for during our careers.
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.
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 holiday season is fast approaching, and it’s a time of year when many people consider all they are thankful for, like family, shelter, and friends. When you count up your blessings, do you include your job? Even if your current job isn’t perfect, it is something for which you should be thankful. If you’re struggling to appreciate your job, take a look at these tips to help alter your thinking.
Appreciate your perspective.
Remember, you control your perspective. That means your attitude – and yours alone – shapes the way you think about the situation you’re in. It also means you’re the only one who can make yourself enjoy your job. So, take a few moments every morning to remember the things you enjoy about your job and start your day off with the right attitude.
Appreciate your contributions.
You contribute a lot to your employer. If you’re struggling to find meaning in your work or are having trouble enjoying your job, take a moment to consider what you bring to your workplace. Take an inventory of your talents, skills, and personality, and remind yourself that you are a valuable employee. Then, shift your focus and contribute even more. Make an extra effort to voice great ideas, and put in a little extra participation when you can. Chances are your increased efforts and positive attitude will be noticed and maybe even rewarded.
Appreciate what you receive.
Even though it may not always seem like it, your job gives back to you in many ways. Your income isn’t the only thing you get from your work. Take a moment to make a list of the things you receive from your workplace, like health insurance, benefits, time off, or teambuilding opportunities. Does your workplace offer a gym for employees, or bonuses during the holidays? Do you have flexible work hours? Does your employer provide coffee in the mornings? Even that is a benefit you may not have noticed.
Appreciate your alone time.
Taking breaks during the work day can really help you unwind and let go of stress. If your workplace allows, take advantage of your break time every day. Even getting away from your desk for five minutes to step outside, make a phone call, or grab a snack can be enough of a mental break to get your head back in the game. Don’t forget to leave all of your emails and work behind for those few minutes. Your time away from your desk or work station may help you relax and remind you to appreciate a few moments of quiet time during a busy work day.
Appreciate your co-workers.
When you contribute toward a pleasant work environment, you also help your co-workers appreciate their job. Don’t participate in gossip, as it only spreads negativity. Instead, minimize your time with those whose personalities clash with your own and spend time with people you can help and befriend. Have fun at work by inviting your co-workers to lunch or keeping up with their life outside the workplace. When you get along with your co-workers, it not only makes for a more enjoyable work environment but can also help the team’s overall morale.
Appreciate work-life balance.
When your work day ends, make sure you don’t take it home with you. Mentally check out of your job before heading home for the day. A recent study from Good Technology revealed that 80% of people continue working after they leave the office, and checking emails is the biggest culprit. It’s okay to enjoy your work, but you need to find a balance between your job and your personal life to ensure happiness.
Appreciate the experience.
Even if your current job isn’t the one you want for the rest of your life, you can appreciate the experience you’re getting. Your job may not be part of your overall career plan, but it can add valuable skills and experience to your resume that will help you land the job of your dreams later. Not to mention, supervisors, managers, and co-workers are important people to have in your network. You never know who they may know, or where a better job connection may turn up down the road.
According to Business Insider, “the luckiest employees reap rewards from multiple areas: financial, emotional, and professional. They see their daily work as a chance to learn, better themselves, and understand the lessons hurled at them.”
At the end of the day, remember that you’re lucky to have a job. That doesn’t mean you should stay in a job that isn’t right for you. If your work is stressing you out or making you feel unappreciated, it may be time to look for something new. While you consider a career change or take up a new hobby, use these tips to help you appreciate the job you have right now.
Why are you thankful for your job? Let us know in the comments section below!
Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.
The big job interview you’ve been stressing over and preparing for is done, and now you can breathe a sigh of relief. However, if you think your part in the interview process is done and you’re just waiting to hear back, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to shine.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s important to think about how you can show gratitude in all areas of your life. For example, giving thanks after an interview could be the deciding factor in a job offer. According to some studies, only 10% of job candidates follow up after a job interview with a thank-you letter. Don’t assume the interviewer knows you are thankful – take the time to actually express your gratitude. If you’re among that 10%, you have the perfect opportunity to stand out.
So, how do you handle this important post-interview correspondence? Give thanks by using these six tips below.
1. Follow up quickly.
As soon as your job interview is over, send a follow-up email or letter to the company. Following up is a critical step in showing your continued interest, but don’t pester the recruiter. A carefully written thank-you note or email will help keep your name at the top of recruiters’ lists.
2. Make the message personal.
Don’t send a standard thank-you template to every person who interviews you. Find the significant points you discussed in the interview and mention the little details you learned about the company and the interviewer. This shows that you not only paid attention during the job interview, but remembered what the company thinks is important.
3. Always say thank you.
The first line of your message should always start with sincere gratitude for the time and interest of the interviewer. After that, be specific about how your experience and skills can benefit the company. Add any other skills that you didn’t get a chance to talk about during the interview, and end the message with another heartfelt thanks.
4. Fit into the culture.
When crafting your message, consider the company culture. If the company is more traditional, craft your thank-you letter in a more formal manner with a hand-written thank-you note or business letter. In some instances, an email may be more appropriate.
5. Proofread and proofread again.
Before you send your thank-you note, proofread it. Then proofread it again. Have a friend or family member proofread it after that. A well-written thank you falls flat if your note is full of errors or if you spelled the interviewer’s name wrong. Be conscientious when crafting your thank-you letter.
6. Follow up, but don’t pester.
Once you’ve sent your first thank-you message, allow for a week to pass before contacting the company again. During your interview, you may also ask for a general time frame as to when to expect an answer. If you didn’t get the job, request feedback on how to improve your interview skills, and follow up any feedback with another thank-you message.
You can’t go wrong by expressing thanks. Whether you aced the interview or bombed it, you at least had the chance to show off your potential. Interviews are stressful for both the job seeker and the employer, but a well-crafted and sincere thank-you note can ease the agony of waiting to hear back.
What tips do you have when following up after a job interview? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.
