Renew commitment to your job this New Year

It is not an unusual thing to lose morale. Once or more, you have lost that enthusiasm about your friends, relationship, God and your job as well. In addition to that, the festivities of ending and beginning a new year have a way of slowing down anything concerning work. But if you are one who believes in the New Year as an opportunity for new beginnings, here are a few things to help you renew your commitment to your job in this New Year.

“I have ever been there, at the rock bottom of things. Everyone knew me as a very hardworking person. Everyday was exciting for me to go to work; I worked extra hours and extra days and never complained about a thing. But as the years went by, that excitement was waning for reasons I didn’t know,” Benjamin Mangeni, a marketer with Unilever Uganda Ltd, shares his story. What puzzled him most was the fact that he was not disgruntled about his salary, he did not have any problems with his employers and colleagues, but gradually, he lost his passion for the previous job.

“Many times, I would go to work and totally fail to do any work. I would just go, stay useless around office and engage in conversations until I went back home. I often wondered why I had become that lazy. That wasn’t me,” he notes.

Pay attention
It was after paying attention to this trend that Mangeni realised his workplace had put him in a comfort zone of sorts that eventually made him lose morale for the job.

“My colleagues would say: ‘This company is not yours, why do you work that much? Why do you throw in extra days and effort?’ Before I knew it, I was like them.

“At the beginning of 2018, I knew I had to look for another work place. I needed a new job because I knew I wasn’t going to progress in my career where I was working then, “ he shares.

New job
“Sometimes, you just really need to get a new job to rekindle your commitment to work. So, look at your current circumstances and determine whether you are ready to make that big change. But if you can work on the issues while keeping your job, that is even better,” he shares.

Additionally, Noeline Muhumuza, a career guidance counsellor notes that though it is normal to feel demotivated about one’s job, renewing one’s commitment is possible.

Talk it over with colleagues
“Sometimes, we are simply having challenges with colleagues or supervisors who might not be making our stay at the workplace that simple. Our working conditions largely determine our attitude towards the job. So, if these are your challenges, talk it over with them.

“Let them know what exactly about them makes it hard for you to do your job,” Muhumuza says, adding that the trick is to remove all things that make you feel demotivated about your job so that you give it your best.

Capitalise on strengths
Your strengths and values in that job are very important, so capitalise on them.
“Recommit to doing what you do best even better. Capitalise on even the simple things like keeping time, beating deadlines, attending meetings, and being excellent at everything that you do,” Muhumuza says.
He adds: “Set goals and aspirations you want to achieve overtime. These will help you stay focused, always aiming higher.”

Work on weaknesses
She further notes that in the same way, work on your weaknesses.
“Pay attention to things that have failed you and if you need to read, take a short course or ask a colleague to teach you, do it other than pushing it away to others. Remember, employers like people who are able to do a variety of things across the board,” she adds.

Find out what excites you
In addition, Evelyne Kyomugisha, a human resource consultant adds that finding out and appreciating those small things that keep you excited and looking forward to work the next day is important. “You may not be earning the biggest paycheck, but what other things within your work place do you like?

These may be people you work with, the office parties, other benefits your job offers or simply your calm and jolly boss. It could be your clients, or executing your duties among others. Take these as important to you, and definitely, they will get you excited about your job,” she shares.

Work on the demotivators
“These usually come up every now and again, regardless of your job. It could be an argument with your colleague or an anger outburst from your boss. It could be about your working conditions, the poor pay among other things. Always work on these and wear a positive attitude even when situations are not. This will help keep you committed to your job.

At the end of the day, always remember that being committed to your job will help you execute it well, and also help you grow your career.

Reasons for employee demotivation
Short-term objectives with no career vision
In the majority of cases, money is merely one part of an employee’s motivation. Most people want to have clear career objectives in place to feel that there is progression for them within their organisation.

Feeling under-valued
If an employee feels that their efforts are not being recognised or appreciated, they’ll soon begin to lack energy and commitment in their role. It’s important to celebrate successes and give credit where credit’s due.

No development opportunities
Regular training and development opportunities can help boost employee motivation and engagement.
Poor leadership
Effective leadership is an essential factor in the motivation of your staff. If strong leadership is lacking or is negatively affecting the outlook of the team – certain employees may start to feel demoralised.

Conflict
Conflict in the workplace is hugely detrimental. Healthy debate is often productive, but it’s important to keep an eye out for any workplace intimidation or bullying. Some employees may feel worried to come forward about issues relating to a fellow colleague - which is where an anonymous employee survey may help to reveal any problem areas.
Source: Michael Page

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