If your motivation has left the building, you’re not alone. According to Gallup, approximately 80 percent of employees worldwide are not engaged — or are actively disengaged — at work. This lack of motivation can make it challenging to accomplish parts of your job. Here are a few ways to regain the stimulus you need to get back to work.
Create Achievable Goals
One reason you may not be motivated is that your goals no longer seem achievable or manageable. Goal setting is a critical component of self-motivation and drive — without goals, you’ll struggle to successfully complete your work. Creating achievable goals helps increase your confidence and ultimately makes it easier to find the impetus you need to start working toward those goals.
Keep Track of Progress and Achievements
As you pursue your goals, monitor your progress. Seeing how much you have accomplished will help fuel your desire to stay the course. Use a spreadsheet, online platform, or even just a sheet of paper to provide reminders of how much work you have completed. What you’ve achieved can serve as a confidence booster and motivator.
Don’t Force It
At times you just have to push through and get the work done. But if you’re forcing yourself to work too often, you’ll end up with stress and fatigue. Instead of joining the 52 percent of employees who say they are burned out, lean into the moments when your motivation is truly low and take a break. Give yourself some time to step away for a walk or to grab some coffee. Taking a short break allows your brain to rest, which in turn brings you back to the task refreshed and more prepared to see it through.
Take Time Off
For a number of reasons, many employees are finding it harder to take consecutive days off. In fact, a recent Harris Poll found that 78 percent of Americans do not use the maximum amount of paid time off allowed by their employer. Forgoing vacation time is sure to both increase your chances of burnout and decrease your motivation. You earn this time — use it to rest, relax, and recharge. These are essential elements of a more motivated you.
Ask for Help
If you find that efforts to combat your waning motivation are not working, ask for help from a family member, trusted friend or colleague, or a licensed therapist. Opening up about what you’re experiencing can lead to support or even the simple recognition that you’re not alone. They may have tips on how to overcome this slump or suggest other resources.
If you are feeling disinterested at work, don’t despair. Making small changes can provide big benefits. Start by creating small goals, taking breaks, and asking for help. These tips can put you on the path to finding the motivation you need to get back on track.
ON TOPIC
Successful managers are able to key into what motivates their team — as a whole and as individuals — because that’s what keeps the group engaged and driven to produce positive results. Sustaining enthusiasm also helps maintain a happy and productive workplace. Motivated employees are more likely to expand their skills, connect with coworkers, and make the most of career opportunities, which can improve client interaction and boost a company’s bottom line.
Just as important as knowing how to motivate team members, managers need to recognize when they are losing steam. Employees are not likely to tell you they’re lacking motivation, but they’ll probably show you. Increased absenteeism or lateness; minimal effort or input on projects or in meetings; lack of interaction with coworkers; or a general poor attitude could all be signs that they need renewed motivation. Try the following techniques when setting out to motivate your team.
Be transparent. There’s something to be said about being open about the department’s and company’s vision and decisions. Sharing information beyond the highest ranks makes employees feel valued, and they gain a better understanding of how their work fits into the big picture.
Acknowledge achievements. It is important to take the time to recognize the accomplishments of both individuals and teams. When someone’s work is stellar, let them know. People typically respond to positive feedback by working harder to maintain that level of performance or even elevate it.
Check in. Meeting with your employees regularly to discuss their work allows them to know what they are doing well and what they need to improve. It also shows them that you notice and care about their work and their success. Remind them that their contribution — no matter what level they’re at — matters. It’s also a great time to learn about their career goals and outline their path to advancement.
Support mental health. Employees who have a positive, clear mind tend to have an easier time focusing on work and staying motivated. Create a healthy work environment that supports mental health by trying to decrease stress. Encouraging mental health at work can lead to increased motivation, engagement, and work quality.
Provide opportunities to lead. Having the chance to lead gives employees additional responsibilities that can motivate them to work to a higher standard. Offer these opportunities by changing who heads project teams or by rotating leaders of weekly meetings or training sessions.
Be a positive role model. Remember: your attitude affects your team. Remaining positive in difficult situations can motivate your team to persevere. If you do find yourself struggling to stay upbeat, don’t vent to your team, but rather talk with your manager. You can also look for support outside your company by working with a career coach or counselor who specializes in workplace issues.
Break down barriers. Having a personal connection to employees can also help with general motivation. Take the time to get to know your team. They’re more likely to work hard for you and want to do well if they know you value them and are open to their ideas.
