Last week we talked about how to retain employees in a tight labor market when new hires and great talent are in short supply. But what if you’re on the other side of the coin? You’re just not feeling the passion or joy you once found in your work. A shift of positions, or firms, or even careers is an option, but that’s a radical move. What if you’re not feeling burned out, just uninspired or mildly dissatisfied?
A radical change isn’t necessary to get the spark back into your work life. Some small-scale changes can refresh your perspective and rebuild your enthusiasm.
Try Something New
When food is bland, you add some salt or spice. When your job is bland, it can help to add a new challenge to your day. If work feels blah, your instinct might be to withdraw, but you’ll see better results if you fight that instinct and take on a new challenge. Taking on a new project, going for a promotion, setting a different goal for yourself—really any challenge will do. Your brain feels energized when it engages with new task, which improves your mood and outlook.
Another option is learning a new skill through classes or professional development programs. You might opt for something as monumental as a certification, but smaller learning tasks, such as integrating a new app into your workflow, can yield results as well. Again, your brain wants to learn new things, so anything that breaks out of your routine will motivate your mind in positive ways.
Connect and Reconnect
Something new in your routine might include mentoring a colleague or seeking out a mentor or coach for yourself. You can also assess your relationship with your supervisors and managers and take steps improve that connection. If you work in a larger organization, making connections with other departments can raise your profile, broaden your work/social circle, and expose you to fresh perspectives. These relationships can forge new and important connections to the workplace, creating a greater sense of investment and a great sense of influence and impact on the firm or company’s mission.
Mind Your Mindset
This is also a good time to take stock of your goals and your reasons for pursuing your field in the first place. Mindful reflection, even journaling, can help you get back to the state of mind your brought to work in the days when you felt enthusiastic to get to the office in the mornings. Think about your long-term goals, your short-term goals, your strengths, your weaknesses. Make plans to reach those goals and play to your strengths, delegating tasks where possible.
The steps you can take within your workplace, either by making new human connections or seeking new challenges, won’t just help rekindle your enthusiasm for your work. These same steps will build your profile and put you on track for advancement in the organization.
Look Outside
Quality vacation time, a fully unplugged break from work, can do wonders to replenish your energy and motivation. If a weekend isn’t enough and resources allow, you might even consider a long break or sabbatical to assess and refresh.
It’s also helpful to check out the other side of the fence to see if the grass really is greener. There’s no harm in looking at other options, talking to your network, investigating other options. If you’re thinking about the career that might have been, you can test the waters with a side hustle—lots of people have them. Exploring your options will allow you to see if a new path is viable and desirable, or your explorations may show you how good you have it where you are.