Even if you love your job, work can be draining some days. Rapid changes and staffing cuts, not to mention Covid concerns, can leave even the most dedicated worker feeling restless and out of sorts. Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can do to boost your job satisfaction and make life at work feel a little smoother.
Make Time Every Day for Something You Love
Is there one aspect of your job that always makes you smile? Build-in time to do it each and every day. Maybe you enjoy re-reading compliments from previous clients or taking a coffee break with a friend. Whatever it is, just a few minutes a day can help you feel restored.
Of course, if you don’t love anything about your job, then be sure to reward yourself after work each day. That might also be a red flag that it’s time to move on, since most people can come up with at least one small thing they love about work.
Find the Positive People
Workplace drama can bring you down fast, even if the rest of your day is going well. Cultivate relationships with whichever coworkers always show a positive attitude. Make a pact to eat lunch together, away from the negativity, even if you have to find a spot outside the lunchroom. Spending time with positive people can perk you up and set a better tone for the rest of the day.
Take Short, Frequent Breaks
Just a couple of minutes of stretching can improve your oxygen flow, relax your muscles, and battle workplace fatigue. Go for a short walk or just stand up and take several deep breaths. Try to stretch at least once per hour for the best results.
Set Manageable Daily Goals
Success breeds success, and checking tasks off your list can help you feel freer, ultimately increasing your job satisfaction. Every day, set two or three goals that you know you can manage, and then give yourself a small reward for achieving them. With goals in mind, it can be very helpful to ask your manager to give you ideas on how you can improve your performance or happiness with your job. Most managers are happy to sit and discuss ideas, provide feedback and coaching, or have a general conversation about the work environment. It’s surprising how much “grabbing 5 minutes” to talk can be.
Become a Force for Change
If your workplace is boring and draining, do something about it. Consider starting a book club, an activity committee, or even a sports team. Or think of ways to improve processes to make your company more efficient. Focusing on something bigger than your day-to-day responsibilities can give you a whole new outlook on work.
Everyone feels weary, overwhelmed, or just tired of work from time to time. But these hacks can help change your outlook and set you back on the road to feeling fulfilled.
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If you’re ready for a new opportunity, SURESTAFF can help you find a light industrial position in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin.
