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Here is a food for thought question, “Would you continue working even if you weren’t being paid?” I know your answer is probably a resounding “No way!” With everything that is happening, you can’t afford to work for free. The question isn’t just about money. It’s about job satisfaction.
Job contentment is defined as the extent to which an employee feels self-motivated and content with their job. This happens when they feel a sense of job security, career growth, and a comfortable work-life balance. You go to work every day, but you still desire more from your career. Not being satisfied comes from settling and getting comfortable with where you are. When your full potential isn’t tapped, it makes you feel uneasy and stuck. The lack of job satisfaction influences both employees and the organizations. It often leads to:
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Lower productivity
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Poor performance
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High employee turnover rates
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Higher stress levels because you feel you are not doing enough.
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Low input by the employees leading to a higher loss for the company.
Is there a way for you to find satisfaction regardless of how much you earn? Yes, there is. If you don't know how or aren’t sure where to start, here are some pointers:
Find purpose
Success is what most, if not everyone, pursues hoping it leads them to fulfillment. What they don’t know is that it is usually the other way round. Having a job that fulfills you is what leads to success. Fulfillment means finding a deeper meaning in the work you do. Start by asking yourself, “What keeps me going?” Look at the bigger picture and how your role contributes to the company’s objectives.
Motivation
This is another major factor in finding contentment. Other than money, you need to find another reason that keeps you inspired to keep working. Look into why you chose the profession in the first place. The answer you give can help determine why you are lacking satisfaction.
Engagement
When you are working in a company that puts your skills to good use, it keeps you engaged and productive. Engaging fully in your work and realizing how you positively impact others within the company gives you a sense of meaning. One way to do that is to have a clear understanding of the correlation between your work, the company’s goals, and your personal goals. The point is to be aware of how your job is directly supporting a larger outcome which eventually encourages you to stay engaged and remain motivated. An example is, to encourage people to have ideas and speak up about them. You end up fostering a culture where everyone is invited to the table to collaborate on new projects.
Values
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Constantly being told of the mistakes you make at work can make you question your role and if you belong in the company culture. Feeling respected and appreciated for the work you do is important. A simple “job well done” or “thank you” from a manager makes you feel appreciated. If your workplace doesn’t show appreciation to its employees then try to reach out to the HR manager about it. This goes a long way in building morale. Another way is to connect your work to what you value. For example, if you value hard work to provide for your family then use that as your work motivation. Having values that run contrary to the overall mission of the company can be confusing. So instead have values that are clear, concise, and consistent.
Career development
Invest in your future by updating your skills. Going for training programs, short courses and networking provide an opportunity for you to grow in your career. Learning something new and getting better each day will boost your contentment.
Working environment
Working in an environment that has resilience will challenge you to think outside the box. This means it is a place with respect for diverse ideas and opinions, open and constructive feedback, and mentoring opportunities.
Workplace interaction
Developing friendships at work with colleagues who have similar goals is a good way to build a supportive system. It can be in-person or virtually. When you interact with various people in the workplace you learn a lot about yourself and build good collaborations.
Find balance in life
Remember you have a life outside of work. Make time for family, friends, and other things that you consider important to you. Learn to balance your work and personal life so that you don’t experience burnout. If you are happy with your life outside of work then you have a better chance of being satisfied with your job.
Conclusion
Whether you are at the peak or just beginning your career, we all have important work to do. It is said we are much more than our job titles yet there is so much significance placed on them. Pay close attention to what isn’t working for you. Make changes and take steps to get back on track. We spend our lives searching for something better and greater. Pause and take a step back. Learn to appreciate how far you have come. Do what you love and find contentment in what you already have through your work, family, and life.