7 ways to find meaning at work

A 2015 Gallup poll found 70% of employees were bored and disengaged at work. In an older study the group found only one in eight people were psychologically committed to their jobs. A big pay rise is not enough to make you happy, so here are some top tips to help you find meaning at work.

1 Why do you do what you do?
At the end of the day, you’re the only one who can define your meaning at work. Ask yourself why you do what you do. Is it for the money? The experience? Are you trying to climb the corporate ladder? Only then can you start slotting the pieces of the puzzle into place.

2 Associate tasks with ideals
When you do the same tasks day in and day out, it’s easy to lose sight of the purpose of your job. Look at how each of your jobs relates to your goals and ideals, which may be as simple as being the best you can at everything you do or developing your skills.

3 Look on the bright side
Meaning at work can come at the most surprising times. You may have a moment of clarity in which you realise the importance of the work you do. Keep an open mind and always try to look on the bright side; otherwise you might be too focussed on the negative to spot the meaning.

4 Decide to serve others or not
You have to make an active decision about whether your goals align with the greater good or just your own objectives. Some PAs might see booking travel as just that, while others see it as the chance to ensure their executive has a clear and safe itinerary. What do your responsibilities mean for the company as a whole?

5 Listen to your gut
Fear can keep us from following our dreams and taking steps to improve ourselves, but it can also stop us from making mistakes. Listen to your fear when you’re making decisions; if it’s strongly telling you not to do something, perhaps you should question whether you’re doing the right thing.

6 Think about where you are in life
Your goals will change throughout your life. A 30-year-old has their entire career ahead of them so they spend a lot of time soaking up information and skills; meanwhile, somebody in their late 50s is likely to be winding down their career and will be looking to teach a new generation everything they know.

7 Remember your personal life
Even the most driven person needs to take a break now and then. Don’t let your career goals get in the way of your personal life. Nothing is more important than your family and community, so remember to take time for those factors.

Read the original article by The Atlantic at theatln.tc/29dYmUw