CAREER CLINIC: Renew commitment to your job this New Year

It is not an unusual thing to lose morale. Once or more, you have lost that enthusiasm about your friends, relationship, and your job as well. In addition to that, the festivities of ending and beginning a new year have a way of slowing down anything concerning work. But if you are one who believes in the New Year as an opportunity for new beginnings, here are a few things to help you renew your commitment to your job in this New Year.

Pay attention: It was after paying attention to this trend that Benjamin Mangeni, a marketer, realised his workplace had put him in a comfort zone of sorts that eventually made him lose morale for the job. “My colleagues would say: ‘This company is not yours, why do you work that much? Why do you throw in extra days and effort?’ Before I knew it, I was like them. At the beginning of 2018, I knew I had to look for another work place. I needed a new job because I knew I wasn’t going to progress in my career where I was working then,” he shares.

New job: Sometimes, you just really need to get a new job to rekindle your commitment to work. So, look at your current circumstances and determine whether you are ready to make that big change. But if you can work on the issues while keeping your job, that is even better.

Noeline Muhumuza, a career guidance counsellor notes that though it is normal to feel demotivated about one’s job, renewing one’s commitment is possible.

Talk it over with colleagues: “Sometimes, we are simply having challenges with colleagues or supervisors who might not be making our stay at the workplace that simple. Our working conditions largely determine our attitude towards the job. So, if these are your challenges, talk it over with them.

Capitalise on strengths: Your strengths and values in that job are very important, so capitalise on them. “Recommit to doing what you do best even better. Capitalise on even the simple things like keeping time, beating deadlines, attending meetings, and being excellent at everything that you do,” Muhumuza says. He adds: “Set goals and aspirations you want to achieve overtime. These will help you stay focused.”

Work on weaknesses: She further notes that in the same way, work on your weaknesses. “Pay attention to things that have failed you and if you need to read, take a short course or ask a colleague to teach you, do it other than pushing it away to others.

Find out what excites you: Finding out and appreciating those small things that keep you excited and looking forward to work the next day is important. You may not be earning the biggest paycheck, but what other things within your work place do you like?

These may be people you work with, the office parties, other benefits your job offers or simply your calm and jolly boss. Take these as important to you, and definitely, they will get you excited about your job,” she shares.

Work on the demotivators: These usually come up every now and again, regardless of your job. It could be an argument with your colleague or an anger outburst from your boss. Always work on these and wear a positive attitude even when situations are not.

At the end of the day, always remember that being committed to your job will help you execute it well, and also help you grow your career.

Reasons for employee demotivation

Short-term objectives with no career vision: In the majority of cases, money is merely one part of an employee’s motivation. Most people want to have clear career objectives in place to feel that there is progression for them within their organisation.

Feeling under-valued: If an employee feels that their efforts are not being recognised or appreciated, they’ll soon begin to lack energy and commitment in their role. It’s important to celebrate successes and give credit where credit’s due.

No development opportunities: Regular training and development opportunities can help boost employee motivation and engagement.

Poor leadership: Effective leadership is an essential factor in the motivation of your staff. If strong leadership is lacking or is negatively affecting the outlook of the team – certain employees may start to feel demoralised.

Conflict: Conflict in the workplace is hugely detrimental. Healthy debate is often productive, but it’s important to keep an eye out for any workplace intimidation or bullying. Some employees may feel worried to come forward about issues relating to a fellow colleague - which is where an anonymous employee survey may help to reveal any problem areas.

Source: Michael Page