Lacking motivation at work? What gives?

Do you realize that each of your actions is the result of a motivation? Hunger, for example, encourages you to make food or rush to the nearest restaurant! But where do your interests fit in once your primary needs have been fulfilled? You have to share yourself among your partner, family, friends, pastimes, work… Staying motivated is no walk in the park!

Forms of motivation at work

There are two levels:

1. Extrinsic: What’s beyond the work. These are the things that compel you to work without having a direct link to your position and duties (your salary, colleagues, vacations, etc.).

2. Intrinsic: What’s part of the work. These are the things that push you to work on a daily basis (your tasks, your passion for your career, etc.).

Job satisfaction comes from the balance you achieve between these two forms of motivation and between your personal and professional lives!

What are the main sources of motivation at work?

Many factors influence employee satisfaction:

1. Compensation

2. The nature of their responsibilities

3. Their hours

4. Their ability to balance work and family

5. Corporate culture

6. Their relationships with coworkers

7. Their quality of life and work conditions

8. The recognition they receive

9. Their professional development

10. Their opportunities for advancement

And more! Despite what some people may believe, money is often not the only motivational force at play in your career. Many factors are involved and influence satisfaction.

Important! It’s essential that an employer keep their team motivated; companies benefit significantly when their employees are fulfilled. Conversely, when employees are unmotivated it tends to lead to absenteeism, disinterest, decreased quality of work, etc.

How to make telework work for you

Telework completely changes our professional habits. Whether we like it or not, this new reality has many benefits! Here’s some advice to help you stay driven and effective when working from home:

• Give yourself breaks to avoid sitting in front of your computer for extended periods of time
• Clear your mind by taking a walk, exercising, cooking or meditating, for example
• Create a comfortable, well-lit and productive workspace
• Stick to a stable and realistic work routine, and recognize when it’s time to stop for the day

Don’t isolate yourself and keep up your lifestyle habits, even when staying home!

How to keep motivated at work

You’ve probably already experienced a period in your career when tasks seemed difficult to complete and your energy wasn’t at its peak. Don’t worry; feeling professionally discouraged can happen to anyone. What’s important is that you find the root of the problem—and don’t be surprised to find it coming from outside your job!

Sometimes the smallest changes can help you boost your physical and mental wellbeing. Your personal life has a huge impact on your work. Here are some tips that can change your day-to-day for the better!

1. Adopt healthy habits

Physical activity can help you get out of your head and channel your energy into your wellbeing and your body! Take a daily walk, do an exercise routine you enjoy a few times a week, discover a new active leisure activity each month. In short, get moving!

Good to know: nutrition and sleep are also important determinants of health to keep in mind. Both have a direct impact on mood. Make sure you’re getting restful sleep, practicing healthy eating habits and limiting alcohol consumption.

2. Stay financially healthy

Did you know that mental health, physical health and financial health are all closely related? Financial stress, whether occasional or chronic, can directly impact your motivation at work.

Pro tip: no matter your budget, you can find a way to save and find balance! Contact a financial security advisor to create a plan that fits your needs and helps you manage your debt and savings, and to find an insurance policy that works best for you. Everything your wallet’s looking for!

3. Find activities that bring you joy

A passion or a hobby is a kind of life source, an important part of your fulfillment! It can help you increase your overall satisfaction, in life and at work, all while nurturing your mental health. Having pastimes that you enjoy helps reduce stress and maintain a good mood.

4. Learn to say no

Despite all your obligations, don’t forget to save time for yourself! Don’t do things you dislike just to satisfy others. The same is true at work and at home; it’s important to listen to your gut and not overdo it. Learn to say “no”!

5. Stop comparing yourself to others

Comparing yourself to others is the quickest way to discouragement! It’s common to find someone else more beautiful, intelligent, considerate than you. However, their life experiences and assets take nothing away from yours! Everything is a matter of perspective!

Try comparing yourself to you five years ago. Look at all your accomplishments, your personal and professional development! It can be tricky focusing on the positives. But doing so will give you the boost you need, in all aspects of life!

Signs of demotivation at work

Does completing everyday tasks seem more difficult than before? Having trouble participating in meetings or team activities? Don’t see the point in grooming yourself before work? Been procrastinating lately?

Well, you might be going through a difficult period and your motivation might be slumping. Whatever your situation may be, it’s essential that you speak to your loved ones, your employer, a colleague or a professional. Surrounding yourself with good people will help you find your zest for life again!

Whatever path works best for you, it’s important to listen to yourself to find the best way to optimizing your energy, efficiency and satisfaction at work.

You’ve got this!