There I was sitting in my car just wishing work would call and say, we had an emergency in the building, go home. Or there I was, sitting in my office just annoyed at … well… sitting in my office.
It wasn’t so much the work; I just no longer saw the purpose or the function anymore of the job – I was bored, uninterested, and could care less.
Do you find yourself feeling that way too – wishing the job were more enjoyable and meaningful?
If you can connect with these feelings, maybe it’s not the job but how you are approaching the job itself that is the problem.
A great idea to try is something called Job Crafting. Job Crafting could help you transform your experience without having to change careers or even search for a new position.
More than half of US workers say they are not emotionally or cognitively connected to their work, according to the latest Gallup poll. This unengaged 53% usually show up from 9 to 5, but do the minimum required.
This takes a toll on the bottom line, as well as employee health and happiness.
While many companies try to address this situation from the top down, job crafting is a proactive process that you can do for yourself.
Learn more about how to reshape your work environment and make your job fit you more closely.
Job Crafting Your Tasks
Organizational behaviorists started talking about job crafting about 20 years ago. Reviewing your job description and daily activities is usually the first step.
Use These Strategies:
- Identify your strengths. Think about what you love to do and what you do well. Maybe you excel at analyzing data or closing sales. Success often depends on being able to use your natural talents.
- Reallocate your time. Are there tasks you want to focus on and others that you wish would go away? Maybe you can delegate some jobs or create systems that will help you to complete them more efficiently.
- Play games. It’s okay to have fun with your work. Find ways to compete with yourself or suggest a friendly contest with the rest of your team.
- Respect your limits. Avoid taking on more responsibilities than you can handle. Start with your top priorities and expand your duties gradually.
- Consider others. Hopefully, you and your boss will agree on the new direction you want to take. However, your preferences may conflict with business needs and your coworker’s routines. Be willing to compromise and work towards mutually beneficial solutions.
Job Crafting Your Relationship:
Who do you interact with at work? Maybe you can reach out to new contacts and strengthen your current connections. Positive relationships make your workday more pleasant.
Try These Techniques:
- Visit other departments. Collaborate with colleagues in other parts of your company. Invite them to meetings and propose joint projects.
- Socialize. Use office events and communications to get to know others on a more personal level. Make time for small talk. Let others know that you care about their interests and opinions.
- Network online. Big conferences may be on hold, but you can still communicate online. Join LinkedIn groups and participate in relevant conversations.
- Listen closely. Working on your listening skills can transform your workplace relationships. Concentrate on what others are saying instead of rehearsing your response. Ask relevant questions and show your enthusiasm.
- Share feedback. Help create an office culture rich in open and constructive communications. Provide tactful and specific feedback. Welcome input from others and thank them by using their suggestions to make positive changes.
Job Crafting Your Attitude
Like any positive change, job crafting begins in your mind. While tasks and relationships may sometimes be beyond your control, you can take charge of your own thoughts.
Practice These Activities
Focus on your purpose. Understanding the reasons behind what you do will make your work more rewarding. Figure out why it is significant and connect with a mission bigger than yourself.
- Continue learning. Seize opportunities to increase your knowledge and skills. Take courses online and read about developments in your industry.
- Seek balance. Define what success means for you rather than comparing yourself to others. Pay attention to your personal responsibilities, as well as your career.
The average adult spends about one third of their life at work. Make those hours happier and more productive by crafting your job into a more fulfilling workday.
I hope you have found this information useful. If you seek to implement these recommendations and are looking for the necessary support to assure your success, schedule your free coaching call today!
