In a race to chase the American dream, we often tend to work more for material gains than personal passions. This feeling of being ‘trapped’ in a constant loop can take a toll on our mental peace and inner satisfaction in the longer run. However, turning that frown upside down is a simple process.
Follow these steps to fix your workplace blues in a quick and efficient manner:
Focus on the positive
In moments of work-related distress, it can be quite helpful to identify your sense of purpose and focus on the positive side of things rather than the negative. In order to aid this, you can also adopt certain material measures like maintaining a gratitude journal or building a reward system. As Sanket Desai, General Manager Operations at Tamarind Global shares, “I prefer breaking down larger projects into manageable steps and regularly reviewing my job responsibilities. Seeking input from senior management and co-colleagues helps in proactively identifying areas for improvement.” Rather than constantly comparing and demotivating yourself, evaluate your own progress over time and learn to invest in what you do today rather than constantly worrying about what’s to come.
Maintain a work-life balance
In lieu of segregating your personal and professional lives, it’s vital to find a healthy balance between the two so that one does not inundate the other. Dr Sonal Anand, psychiatrist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road divulges, “To achieve this, make strategies like not working beyond the stipulated hours and saying no to your colleagues when needed. Ensure that you spend some quality time with yourself or your loved ones.” Try to work on flexitime so that you have autonomy in deciding work hours that don’t interfere with your personal space. Think of your life in terms of the ‘life-career rainbow’ model and look at yourself as an individual with multiple roles to play rather than relegating your identity to nothing more your work.
Build a healthy work culture
Nazneen Batliwalla, HR Head at SKIL shares, “We believe that a positive culture begins with recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how big or small. Through regular team-building initiatives, personalized growth opportunities and a focus on mental well-being, we ensure that positivity remains at the forefront of our operations.” To boost productivity, it’s important to maintain a milieu of transparency, opportunity, trust and respect among workers so they feel tied to the organisation they work for and feel like not only improving themselves but helping others as well. “Rotating tasks and cross-functional opportunities are another way we keep employees motivated. It not only breaks the monotony but also helps individuals expand their skillsets and discover new interests,” reveals Indranil Sen, HR Head at Tamarind Global.
The importance of relationships at work
Given that you tend to spend a significant share of your day at work, the role of quality relationships with your colleagues adds an added touch of satisfaction. Heeta Parikh, CEO of Silver Spun Solutions recounts, “Building a culture of collaboration and mutual support among colleagues is equally important here. When team members feel that they can rely on each other for guidance and assistance, it creates a positive work environment and substantially enhances productivity and creativity.” Banking on social capital at work and celebrating collective successes can be the key to stir your motivation.
How your contributions matter
Rather than constantly blaming external factors for your discontent, take a moment to reflect within yourself and evaluate how you can contribute in better manner to get more output from your efforts. Understand your role within the organisation you are placed in and take responsibility for tasks assigned to you. Step back from your work for short intervals if need be; instead of being physically present in a space with no productive inputs to add. Take up work that’s challenging to you and will give you a higher degree of satisfaction upon completion. Think of one person that gets affected by the work you do so that you can attach more meaning to your job and understand how the purpose of your work is also to serve others.
Adopt these simple tactics to become a more valuable component of your workspace and contribute better to your company’s productivity.
