When you feel engaged at work, you’re often more energized, focused, motivated to improve, and connected to your purpose. And that energy spreads – you’re a joy to be around! This energy can also impact your environment and have a positive ripple effect on your coworkers, your family, and the people you encounter each day. Everyone benefits from the ripple effect of engagement.
But, engagement naturally fluctuates. You won’t feel your best every day, and that’s understandable. While a supportive work environment is essential, here are five practices that can give you a boost to help you reconnect with your work, support your individual well-being, and re-engage to do your best work.
1. Reconnect with your purpose
Reflect on what makes your work meaningful. Write down your own personal engaged purpose – why are you there, at your desk, right now? Make this into your own motivational quote for why you want to be at your job. You may find purpose in helping others, supporting your family, solving problems, or contributing to UAMS’ mission. Whatever the reason, write down your personal “why” and keep it somewhere visible as a reminder.
2. Recognize and appreciate others
Actively show appreciation for your co-workers who make your job easier and more delightful. Sometimes, a sincere “thank you” or acknowledgment of their contributions can strengthen relationships and help build a more supportive workplace.
3. Impact Filter – Pause and reflect
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, take a moment to identify what happened, what is within your control, and what support you need. Consider what went well and one practical step that could improve the situation. This “Impact Filter exercise” can help in any area of your life, not just work.
4. Set realistic expectations
Focus on what you can reasonably accomplish with the time and resources available. You can also break larger tasks into manageable steps and discuss competing priorities with your supervisor. Recognizing progress can create a sense of accomplishment and help you maintain motivation. Otherwise, you could subconsciously feel like you’re failing all the time by striving for unrealistic goals, which may drain your energy and stress you out.
5. Take care of yourself
Engagement requires emotionally investing in what you do, and that requires a lot of energy. That energy comes from the other areas of your life. Thus, it is important to care for your overall well-being. That means making time for activities that help you rest, recharge, and feel connected. This may include movement, hobbies, time with loved ones, or disconnecting from work communications during personal time. So, take time to do the things that energize you and fill you up!
If you have challenges with staying engaged at work, please speak with your supervisor and reach out to your HR Business Partner for support and resources.