How to cope with demotivation at work

We’ve all heard of burnout, which carries serious consequences for employees. But experts now say there’s something called “brownout”, a term used to describe when staff becomes disengaged and demotivated, and it affects behaviour and performance at work.

A recent survey by US coaching company Corporate Balance Concepts shows that while 5% of those asked suffer from burnout, an alarming 40% are feeling the effects of brownout.

Executive consultant David Robertson, writing for The Guardian, presents some tips for coping with demotivation at work.

Reflect on your triggers
Everybody has a trigger for feeling demotivated. They include changes in the organisation or market, internal restructuring, downsizing, or the implementation of a non-hiring policy that means you and your colleagues have to pick up extra work.

When you spot one of your triggers, think about how you’re going to proceed. Plan for extra work if needed and view it as a challenge to overcome rather than a hindrance.

If you feel like there’s something missing from your job, talk to your HR department, coach, or mentor to identify opportunities for growth.

Stand up for yourself
The worst thing you can do for yourself when you notice brownout is to become a victim. When you see the warning signs, take a stand and develop a plan to overcome it.

Stay positive and think about the ways in which demotivation is affecting your work. Decide what you want out of the situation and take action to achieve your goals, whether that’s finding a new role or taking on interesting projects.

Find somebody to act as your mentor so you have somebody to talk to about the way you’re feeling. They can give you tips on how to progress your career. Keep them updated every step of the way.

Talk to your colleagues
Seek out other people in your company or in the wider business world who have gone through brownout so you can use their experience to discover your options. Networking with employees of other organisations might even show you how you can add value elsewhere.

Learn to adapt
Brownout is a result of your mindset at work. It’s okay to experience doubt in your job; the key is to maintain a positive attitude about everything.

Keeping up with your personal health and energy levels is also essential. Brownout is prevalent in people who have little downtime due to mobile technology, so it’s important to recognise your limits and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Read the original article at bit.ly/1NoDVRd