Getting Engaged (To Your Job, That Is)
We all spend A LOT of time at work. So, ask yourself:
Is that 8-12 hours spent looking for distractions to get through the day, struggling to focus and watching the clock?
or
Are you really engaged in your work and getting fulfillment out of the time you spend on the job on a personal and professional level?
A recent study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reported that these five motivators contribute most to engagement on the job:
- Determination to accomplish work goals and confidence in meeting them.
- Sustaining good working relationships with co-workers.
- Opportunities to use skills and abilities at work.
- Seeing personal work impact the organization and its business goals.
- Maintaining a positive relationship with direct supervisor.
OK, SO YOU’RE NOT ENGAGED…
There is hope. But, engagement and job satisfaction is a two-way street. Communication with your colleagues and supervisors is essential to happiness at work. Little things can make all the difference in making the workday drag along or fly by.
Whether you decide to stay where you are or look for greener pastures, try these tips to get the most out of the time you spend on the job:
Find a role model.
A role model who is passionate about their job and inspires you to meet your goals will inevitably lift your spirits. Inspiration goes a long way.
Know your impact.
Ask management leaders to show you how you meeting your work goals will help the company meet their goals. This will let you know just how important your contribution is.
Connect with your supervisor.
Ask your supervisor to develop a career path for you. Express what motivates you and what de-motivates you. Ask them to help you grow by delegating challenging and meaningful work.
“The relationship employees have with their supervisors is directly connected to their success and growth at work.” - Society for Human Resource Management
Make friends at work.
Professionals who develop positive relationships with their co-workers report being much happier on the job.
LISTEN UP, MANAGERS
Here a few ways you can contribute to your employees’ job satisfaction and limit turnover:
Recognize good work.
Management that recognizes employee performance through praise, awards and incentives increases employee morale, productivity, and competitiveness.
Keep them engaged.
Highly engaged employees perform better and do better work. Find out what your employees care about and find ways to motivate them.
Help them succeed.
Help your employees succeed by making sure they have the tools they need to complete their work and reach their goals.
Grow your talent.
Establish a career development plan for your employees. Employees that feel they can grow and strengthen their skills are much happier.
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