Being Disengaged at Work Is an Opportunity

How engaged and satisfied are you on the job?

Many people hate their jobs or are seriously bored with what they do at work on a daily basis.  This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

As I mentioned in my last article a Lack of Engagement at Work Is Bad for You.  It carries many different risks that can really mess up your life.

Gallup says that two-thirds of American workers are “not engaged” or “disengaged”.  If you fall into this majority, then you should take action to correct the situation so you can live a more satisfying life.

See Being Disengaged as an Opportunity

It is easy to blame your employer, partners or even external factors such as the economy for your situation, but this important matter is one that you need to become responsible for and address.  Based on the negative impacts I detailed in my last post, you simply can’t continue ignoring the problem.  It is time to take the bull by the horns and make things better.

If you feel disengaged, then I’d suggest that you view this as an opportunity.

You might ask, “How is being disengaged at work an opportunity?”  Well, you are basically already at the bottom in terms of job satisfaction.  Therefore, you have nowhere to go but up.  This means that you have the opportunity to make changes with very little additional risk.  If you try something and it doesn’t work it isn’t really going to make you less happy, now is it?

Look at it this way, you are already risking your livelihood by being disengaged.  What more damage can you do?  Any change will likely be positive because it will give you a sense of control and enthusiasm that will almost surely turn things around.

Furthermore, you have the justification to change.  Having good justification is an opportunity.

Sometimes spouses, friends, partners and family members will resist change especially when it messes with their source of income.  But how can they argue when you let them read all the negative effects disengagement is having on your health, relationships and overall well-being?  It will certainly reduce their resistance if you present it correctly.

Here is this opportunity staring you right in the face.  What will you do with it?  Life is sending you a message.  It is time to respond.

What You Can Do About Your Disengagement at Work

Okay, you know the negative impact and you know that this is an opportunity to make some changes.  Now what do you do?  Well, I’m going to lean heavily on the advice offered by Douglas LaBier in Three Sources of Boredom in Today’s Workplace — And What Helps.  Here’s some of what Douglas suggests:

1.  Identify the Kind of Work that Engages You

Think about a past work experience where you felt very engaged.  What kind of work did it entail?  What were the challenges?  Did you work with a team or alone?  What specific things about that work did you find most satisfying?  Now think about your current situation.  What is lacking?  Is it your boss?  Is it your coworkers?  Is it the environment or the type of work?  Figuring out what makes you tick at work is the first step toward fixing the problem.

2.  Scope Out Opportunities

Once you have identified the kind of work that engages you, then look for opportunities at your present employer that are more stimulating for you.  Often, it is possible to carve out new responsibilities for yourself with a little initiative and extra effort.  Mold your job like Play Doh.  Craft it into something that you find more engaging.

3.  Talk It Out

Meet with your boss and explain that you are interested in getting involved in the type of work you identified above.  I wouldn’t tell them that you “feel bored” or “disengaged”.  I’d suggest putting it in more positive terms.  For example, say something like, “I’d like some new challenges.” or “I’m interested in growing in a new direction where I can make a greater contribution.”  Most bosses will appreciate this kind of interest.  If your boss isn’t open to the idea, then talk to someone in HR or another leader that you trust.

4.  Think Outside the Box

If you just can’t figure out a way to make your existing situation work, then look for another opportunity that is more engaging.  You might be able to find something in another department or you might have to move to a completely new employer.  Be patient and look for something that really excites you.  Of course, work is not the only place that you can apply your skills.  You can also consider things outside of work altogether such as volunteer opportunities, starting a micro-business or beginning a hobby.

Make Changes to Become More Engaged at Work

You simply cannot remain disengaged at work and expect to live a great life.  You’ve got to deal with this problem before it causes issues with your health, relationships and finances.  Apply the suggestions above and you’ll find yourself in a much better situation at work in no time.

 Photo by CarbonNYC