Workplace of Choice

Do you feel like you are being bombarded with negative news? Foreclosures, the unemployment rate, companies in trouble… the list is endless… and that’s just the economy! This negative press leaves us feeling hopeless and powerless in our jobs. Perhaps you’ve lost the “zing” that used to make you excited about coming to work each day. How do you recapture your workplace motivation? The reality is that there are things you can do to help yourself and get back on track. Here are some tips on becoming a Happy and Valuable employee.  Taking these steps you will help you gain ownership and control; you’ll be happier at your job and, at the same time, make yourself invaluable to your employer. So, what can you do? How do you gain this employee motivation?

Take initiative – Research has shown that the #1 priority on employer’s wish lists is for their employees to take initiative. Taking initiative at work is a key ingredient to making improvements, dealing with change, and providing customers with good quality service that is beyond the status quo – these are the very things every employer is looking to achieve!

Align Your Values – Before you can add value at work, you need to understand your own values and align them with your employer’s. If your value system and your company’s will never jive, you need to think twice if you are in the right job or the right company for you. Aligning your values with the organization’s will result in your own personal satisfaction and increased productivity. Employees that are truly able to express their values and their “authentic selves” feel more committed, passionate, effective in their jobs and are often the top performers.

Take Ownership of Your Career – Don’t sit on the sidelines and wait for someone else to guide your career; people are too busy to look out for themselves, let alone someone else. Step out of your comfort zone – take on new responsibilities and learn different sides of the business. Find a mentor and ask them questions about their job, their career and how they got to where they are. Remember, you’re in the drivers’ seat when it comes to guiding your career.

Be Healthy – so now you’re thinking, what does my health have to do with my happiness and value at work? Research has shown that people who take care of themselves have decreased absenteeism, increased productivity, decreased stress level, increased stamina, improved relationships both on and off the job and an increase in well-being and self esteem. So what can you do? Get educated! Once you know the facts you can decide how you can make positive changes in your life.

So, the next time you turn on the TV or open the newspaper and start to feel the weight of the world, remember you can take action to take control!