|
As you head out for work, are you whistling a happy tune or grumbling about something the boss said? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of us were happy at work? We may not be able to insure happiness, but there are ways to make the best of our work situation. Research shows that employees are energized by jobs that provide some control, both in schedules and the work setting. Unfortunately, we don’t all have ideal work conditions. Many of us work more hours than we want to. We may not be able to change our work schedules, but finding areas of our work where we do have control can affect our attitude and behavior on the job.
Here are some ideas for making the workplace a better setting:
- Brighten up your work area. Add some decorating touches or display a picture your child colored.
- Eliminate interruptions. Close the door, put the phone on voice mail, or put up a curtain in your cubicle to signal that you don’t want interruptions.
- Schedule your breaks. Plan your breaks to talk to friends at work or to make personal phone calls for yourself or the family.
- Expect the “predictable.” Don’t be annoyed by voice mail, traffic delays, empty coffee makers or waiting for the copy machine to warm up.
- Take a break from technology. Disconnect from work—pagers, e-mail, computers, cell phones, etc.
- Take vacations. You might try taking a restful vacation “at home” with no work, phone contact, computer access or pagers.
- Change your viewpoint. Instead of thinking “This is so boring,” find ways to make the job interesting or meaningful. Maybe it’s making others smile or recognizing the part you contribute is important to the whole.
- Dress with flair. Even if you wear a uniform, you might add a special touch that makes you feel unique.
- Speak up and ask. If you want something, ask politely. If you get it, be appreciative and if you don’t, accept it without taking it personally.
- Suggest a new way. Instead of doing things the same old way, perhaps there’s a better system.
- Does a particular task need to be done? Inquire if work seems unnecessary. Maybe the task can be done away with, or you might discover the reason for it.
- Make today special. Don’t put off enjoyment for weekends or retirement!
by Editor, theCity1.com
February 11, 2005
|
