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How do we keep motivated in the office?
For some, it’s often a struggle to feel motivated by our daily tasks, especially those which are repetitive. Our level of motivation can largely impact our productivity, which decides whether we walk away from the office feeling accomplished, or lacking energy for the ensuing workload.
Many things can make it a challenge to strike up motivation but the real struggle, is the environment in which you are working (especially if the benefits are just not making the cut!). The team at Conrad Connect have generated 6 key points from both employee and employer perspectives, that will keep you feeling motivated at work.
Desktop roles are especially difficult, as your performance is mainly implemented on the computer. You’re not moving about, nor are you keeping you mind mentally active through physical activity. Instead, you must stimulate your mind from your desktop.
For some, this is more challenging than others. If you’ve worked in this type of environment for a long time, you naturally grow accustomed to the surroundings and the way in which people work. But perhaps for individuals entering the industry as new, this may prove more difficult.
So, how do we stay motivated in a desktop role?
Steps as an employee:
1.Al Fresco
Spending time away from the desk during your lunch hour is hugely beneficial, and affects your work productivity. If you’re constantly sat at your desk, this doesn’t allow you a break for ‘down’ time. Similarly, if we compare this to an intense workout- if we were using 100% energy for a long period of time we would wear ourselves out more quickly. Whereas, if we used 100% of our energy, with short breaks, we would be able to continue for longer.
Supplying your body with food and drink, and actively moving about during your lunch timeframe, re-energises your mind and allows you to operate more practicably, as well as allowing you to think more creatively.
2.Itinerary
It’s not uncommon for people to create a ‘to-do-list’ for activities in their daily lives. This could be anywhere from a simple shopping/holiday packing list, to business diaries and events calendars. Creating an itinerary for the day allows you to keep focused and remain positive, minimising any distractions.
Conrad’s Senior Recruitment Consultant, Jonathan Morey commented: “I tend to create a list of things I need to do for the day, and then work from that so I have something to keep me focused”.
Ticking off tasks gives you a visible end goal and can show you a record of the process you’ve made throughout the assignment for that day or week. Keeping your outlook positive and motivation high to keep progressing.
As well as this, it means you can prioritise workload a bit easier. If others have access to this information, this allows colleagues to also see what you’re currently working on- and understand if you have the capacity to take on more projects.
The use of online project management tools such as Planner or Slack, can also be away of creating shared, scheduled to-do lists which can be accessed from anywhere are becoming more commonly used in businesses for these exact reasons.
3.Personalisation
People who work in offices with their own desk, often bring a bit of their personality with them, to familiarise their surroundings. Being able to personalise your workplace generally allows you to feel more comfortable and settled. Comfort is a key feature within the workplace, especially within an office job due to the restricted nature of the role. In a place where you often feel various up and down emotions, having items that are recognisable effects your mood, and in turn work productivity.
Steps as an employer:
1.Office Environment
Having a ‘good’ environment can mean various things, from the people you work to the office building itself, and the interior that pulls it all together.
A light, open and spacious office have been proven time and time again, positively influences the mood of employees. A study “Natural Light is the Best Medicine for the Office” containing 313 individuals who work in an office, was conducted by Professor Alan Hedge of Cornell University. The research found that exposure to natural light within the office enhanced work productivity and alertness. Also, an 84% decrease in common health related issues were reported (headache, eyestrain etc). Therefore, increases mood and motivation within the office.
As well as this, creating an interior that’s friendly and welcoming to employees and visitors creates a positive effect. For instance, somewhere to sit other than that desk chairs- a communal area that encourages interaction.
2.Feedback
Asking for feedback from employers or colleagues generates motivation, for you to do well and complete your tasks to the highest standard. Whether the feedback is good or bad, if provided in a professional manner the information will inspire/spur the employee to do well.
Feedback is sometimes issued through regular performance reviews, where certain protocols are adhered to and feedback is generally designed to be constructive, with appraisals rewarded. Certain targets may be set, often including deadlines where the next review will be held to review the changes.
Again, this acts as a motivator and pushes the employee to meet and exceed expectations. Overall improving work productivity.
3.Incentives
A little competition never hurt anyone… right? Using incentives are an excellent way to motivate your employees, everyone likes to be rewarded for their hard work. This can include money incentives, team social activities, vouchers- you name it!
An incentive system, drives motivation and pushes staff to do well. Hitting and exceeding targets while generating a positive, competitive buzz within the office. People thrive off healthy competition (some more than others) which is seen regularly within an office environment- whether this is sales competitions, number of calls.
Conrad’s Head Office have recently started a new incentive, with a twist. Every Thursday, the consultants’ calls across the week are tallied and placed via a point system, from highest to lowest. The two consultants with the lowest scores, have the pleasure of rustling up some bacon sarnies for the whole office the following morning!
So as you can see, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself motivated whilst at work- and on the flip side, how we can keep our employees happy.
Remember… “Either you run the day, or the day runs you!”
If you have any hacks that help you to stay motivated, get in touch and let us know.
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