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.