From becoming a mentor to dressing for success, we reveal tips for how not to hate your job (and your colleagues) from this week
Fewer than one in three people take a lunch break, yet not only is a break better for your mental health, it is also productive
BRACING yourself for epic back-to-work dread after the Christmas and New Year break? You’re not alone. January 31 is the day Brits are most likely to quit their jobs, with bad bosses cited as the number-one reason.
“Lots of people feel demotivated when they return to work in January,” explains careers coach Alice Stapleton.
“You’ve had time to relax and take stock, plus January is all about fresh starts. For many, though, it may not be possible to hand in your notice right now, whether that’s due to financial reasons, a stagnant job market or other circumstances.”
And even if you do throw in the towel, the grass may not be greener. A recent survey found that 23% of workers regret leaving their last job.
In fact, it may be better to try what psychologists call “job crafting” – actively shifting the boundaries of your work to make it more meaningful.
So if you’re feeling ready to flip the bird to your boss, here’s how to start loving (or at least stop hating) the job you already have.
Love your colleagues
Make friends: “Creating or deepening bonds with co-workers can have a big impact on how you feel about your job,” says Alice. It turns out having close friends in the office can actually make us more productive.
“Make an effort to forge new friendships and nurture current ones – whether that’s by organising an office netball match, buying a little present for your desk mate or instigating a regular happy hour,” says Alice. You may even benefit physically, as according to the Journal of Health And Social Behavior, our social connections are as important for our health as exercise and healthy eating.
Mentor someone: The likes of Oprah and Sheryl Sandberg rave about having a mentor, but a mentee could be what you need to reinvigorate your work life. “Take an interest in someone more junior than you and see what you can do to support them,” says leadership coach Andro Donovan. “It will remind you why you fell in love with your job in the first place.”
Branch out: “Making connections outside your department or company is crucial to refreshing your outlook, not to mention useful if you do decide to leave,” says branding expert Dorie Clark. “Organise networking coffees and get a glimpse into alternative jobs. Also, see if your boss is open to you transferring to a different area of the business one day a week, or doing a long-term placement at an office overseas.”
By the numbers
- 47% of us want a career change.
- 29% of people say they haven’t quit their job for fear of financial instability.
- 35-54 is the age group unhappiest with their jobs.
Rethink the job
Make tweaks: “Small changes can make your job more motivating and satisfying,” says occupational psychologist Adam Grant. “Do an audit and work out what gives you energy – maybe it’s working with other people – and what drains you (like spreadsheets). Is there someone on your team you can task-swap with so everyone is more efficient and effective? Or if your schedule means you can’t pick up your kids or drop in on your elderly parents, have the flexible-work-hours conversation. If you’ve been there a while, you may have a better chance of persuading them.”
Go above and beyond: “Don’t think you have to stick to the confines of your job description,” says Alice. “Ask yourself: ‘Where could I add meaning or bring value?’ Is it by engaging more with customers? Is it by sitting in on more senior meetings?” A survey of hospital cleaning staff found those who took the initiative to help patients were more satisfied with their work than those who only carried out their assigned duties.
Create a name for yourself: “Try to change the title of your job to reframe how you feel about it,” says Dorie. “Instead of a call centre worker, are you a customer care ambassador? Many people define themselves by their job title, so aligning yours with your values will lead to greater satisfaction. A shift of perspective can also help: is this job a way to support the family you love? Is it a learning experience – or a stepping stone to better things?”
Challenge yourself
Dress for success: “The adage: ‘Dress for the job you want, not the job you have,’ has a scientific basis,” says Andro. “Studies show that more formal outfits lead to higher abstract thinking, and wearing a lab coat makes people focus better. Essentially, what we wear affects our confidence and performance – so invest in a new blazer or a statement lipstick.” That lippy might make you smarter, too – a study by Harvard University found that students who wore make-up had better self-esteem and achieved higher grades.
Break out of your rut: “The same routine day after day can be mind-numbing,” says Adam. “At the start of each week, take a few minutes to pinpoint how you can do things differently. Maybe it’s taking that meeting outside or moving desks. Being in a new space can bring new perspective and make a big difference to your mood.”
Reclaim your lunch break: "Make those 240 hours a year work for you,” says Alice. A study by Bupa found that fewer than one in three people take a full lunch break, yet not only is taking time out better for your mental health, you can use the time productively. “Whether it’s gaining a new skill using a free online coding school such as Codecademy, learning a language with a free app like Memrise, or writing that novel, an hour every day can be a powerful thing, adding to your skills for when you apply for new jobs.”
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
- Sources: Crunch, Accountemps, Personnel Psychology, Academy of Management, London School of Business & Finance, Robert Half.
- Motivate Yourself: Get The Life You Want, Find Purpose And Achieve Fulfilment by Andro Donovan (£10.99, Capstone)
- Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future by Dorie Clark (£15.99, Harvard Business Review Press)
- Originals: How Nonconformists Move The World by Adam Grant (£8.99, Viking)