According to Zipdo.com “approximately 53% of Americans are currently unhappy at work” and “85% are dissatisfied with their jobs worldwide”. There are various reasons why somebody would be dissatisfied with their job. Lack of work-life balance, pay, lack of support for mental health, and work environment/culture, rank among the top reasons. While there are many reasons you could be unhappy with your job, there are equally as many changes you can make at home, and at work to gain job satisfaction.
Appreciation and Recognition
When one gets shown recognition for their hard work, it makes it easier and is motivating to continue working hard. Working in an environment where you are supported and appreciated by not only your colleagues but also higher-ups, makes a huge difference in showing up to work happy every day. Studies show that employees prefer written appreciation rather than verbal. When you are feeling defeated or stressed at work, being able to look back at tidbits of appreciation, rewards, and accolades helps to remind you why you are doing the work in the first place. If you are feeling unhappy in your workplace, chances are your colleagues may be feeling the same way. Giving thanks and showing appreciation to each other helps to create an environment where both employees and employers genuinely enjoy being.
Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries can help you gain a better work-life balance. If you are someone who finds themselves taking work problems home with you at the end of the day or bringing a personal problem to work with you, you have probably noticed that it can take a toll on your performance at work and your mood at home. Try turning off work notifications while at home. Some jobs may require you to have notifications turned on outside the workplace just in case you are needed. Rather than turning your notifications off for the entirety of the time you are at home, simply turning them off for a few hours to dedicate your time and attention to your home/personal life would be a much more reasonable option for you. As we know, the global pandemic, COVID-19, made it nearly impossible for employees and employers to achieve work-life balance. Disconnecting from work while at home or even just for a few hours can help to gain a little bit of that back.
Prioritize Heath
Last but not least, prioritize your health, both mental and physical. Nothing is worse than showing up to work, and not feeling your best self, especially if you have a physically demanding job. It affects your performance at work. Try to get the recommended hours of sleep every night, eat a nutritious breakfast, drink lots of water, and start the day with positive affirmations, and a positive attitude. Set the tone in the morning for how you would like the rest of your day to go. Leave yesterday in the past and look at this new day, as a day with new opportunities and a chance to make it better than yesterday.
Working can be very stressful. When you are overly stressed, it affects every aspect of life. Prioritizing your health, setting boundaries for work as well as home, and aiding in making your work environment a more positive place by showing your higher-ups and your colleagues appreciation, and vice-versa will put you on the path to being in the top 15% of people who feel satisfaction in their work.
