In today’s workplace, it’s very easy for employees to become overwhelmed with their workload, no matter what sector they’re in or their position in a company. There’s a great need to meet tighter deadlines, and a focus on targets can result in individuals feeling undervalued, stressed and demotivated. So what can be done to tackle the issue?
1. Be active: I’m a big believer in the idea that a healthy body equals a healthy mind. If you can be physically engaged in something that you enjoy, it provides a distraction from work and enables you to clear your head. It can also help to give you energy to get through the day and increase your self-confidence in your own abilities, both of which are fundamental to be successful in the workplace.
If you’re already juggling a demanding workload with family commitments though, it can be easy to feel that you simply don’t have the time to exercise. But, I’d argue that it really is worth making it one of your priorities, not only from a fitness perspective but for both mental and physical strength. Many major CEOs and even Barak Obama make daily exercise a priority, and the secret is to find the right time for you and get into a routine. For me, this is at 6.30am every morning, with my weekends being spent at the gym and playing tennis or football.
2. Connect with those around you: As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved. It’s important that you have a support network of friends and family around you who can listen to your problems and give their advice. However, you also need to be discussing any issues with those in the office rather than bottling them up, and you may find that colleagues are experiencing the same feelings as you are.
It’s useful to interact with colleagues outside of work hours and build up your relationships. Perhaps you could even suggest setting up a sports team within your company if there isn’t already one in place, with the benefit being that it promotes team work whilst boosting engagement levels with your employees.
3. Smile and stay positive: It’s important to remember all the good things in your life, such as family and friends. It can be difficult to appreciate what you’ve got when you’re feeling demotivated, but it’s key to find the time to reflect on this and shift your perspective.
Your general wellbeing has a direct impact on productivity, so it’s important that you smile, laugh and see your situation for a more positive point of view. After all, the cycle of having a bad day at work, worrying about it and not sleeping, is only adding to your stress and the challenges that you face. Make sure you take some time to yourself and do things that you enjoy.
Marc Cohen, Director of ConSol Partners
Follow me on Twitter: @Marc_Cohen_
Follow ConSol on Twitter: @ConSolPartners