How to Drive Your Own Engagement at Work

No job is perfect! And there are going to be good days and bad days. But when you notice that there are more bad days than good ones, then it’s time to take action. Furthermore, individuals should own their engagement at work. Boredom is a sign that an individual is not doing enough to be engaged in the organization.

If you are feeling bored at work, perhaps it’s time to recharge your batteries. Take a vacation, go somewhere you have always wanted to visit. If cost is a factor, start saving for a trip, then visit somewhere local instead. Local options could include: national parks, museums, art galleries, or science centers. You can even go on a hike, take a nature walk or a walking tour - the possibilities are endless. Additionally, check to see if your organization offers a sabbatical, and what you need to qualify.

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You can also give your workspace an overhaul to re-energize the area. Remove all the clutter to free your mind to focus on your career goals, approaching your work with a renewed outlook. You may not have permission to substantially alter your workspace, but you can do simple things such as add a couple of potted plants, hang up your favorite comic strip, fun photos of your family, or even a beautiful poster to help you mentally escape a few moments each day.

Take stock of where you are, have your career expectations been met since you were hired? If not, why not? What steps can you take to make sure that they are met? Additionally, do you have more control over your work than you think you do?  In many workplaces, employees have a certain amount of control over the work they do and how they do it. Take the time to figure out how to evolve your role to drive your own engagement. Are there projects that you are interested in working on? If that is the case, talk to your boss about it, and do what it takes to get involved, even if it means arriving earlier or staying later. Or, design a project, with your boss’ input that will push you to build your skills, increase your self-confidence and grab the attention of senior level managers. When designing a project, be strategic, so that you get the most benefit from the experience. The project should fill a need within the company or industry, challenge you, expand your network of contacts, and be big enough to get the attention of those with influence and power within the organization. Doing things you are excited about increases your engagement and energizes you.

Take time to inject humor into your day so that you laugh more. Laugh at yourself and don’t take yourself too seriously. Spend time with people who are funny, or watch a webisode or two of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. Take a laughter yoga class to laugh for no reason, and celebrate World Laughter Day. Laughter is indeed the best medicine.

If you take control of your career, driving your own engagement at work, you won’t have time to ever get bored!