Business

What makes for a good day at work?

Many of us have to work to earn a living. We need money to cover our overheads and responsibilities, with any luck left over for a few treats and incidentals along the way. Earning enough the best way we can may well be the foremost concern on our minds.

Very often we feel compelled to compromise when it comes to our work; we may take on a role we don’t particularly like, feel compelled to go along with a difficult boss, travel long distances, keep unsociable hours to keep our jobs. For a time this may be a necessary negotiation, it is vital to be able to keep the different areas of our lives afloat.

Some days will be better than others, so what makes a good day at work?

– Someone smiling as we walk through the door. it can lift our spirits, especially if, before arriving at work, our day has already been quite tense. I remember one of my clients who ran a large call center. His mission at the beginning of each work day was to identify the most exhausted member of his team, then go and sit down and chat with them until they started smiling. That simple action made everyone’s day better.

– Planning of the day ahead. it can be a good way to make sure we start each day in the right frame of mind. Sometimes unexpected challenges or opportunities can arise, but having a to-do list can provide structure for our efforts.

– When we achieve what we propose It’s always a good day at work. That may be because we’ve done something we know we’re good at. We can relax as we like to do exceptionally well. Yes, there is stress in doing a good job, especially if we are considered experts in our field. There is the motivation to excel and not let ourselves down, but when we feel comfortable with the skills required, we can enjoy performing those tasks. Also remember to congratulate yourself for what you achieve.

– Feel that there is some flexibility to adapt to new demands, emergencies and opportunities can help us manage stress and have a good day. It is important that we are not working at full capacity all the time. Being able to adapt whenever an unexpected or enticing new request comes along can bring an enthusiastic and motivated feeling to the day.

– When we have been significantly challenged and come out ahead, maybe had to acquire new skills and go deeper, it can really improve our confidence and self-esteem. Doing something we’re not sure about, maybe being new to a task, means we may have to learn something in stages, get some kind of training. Practicing, challenging ourselves, making mistakes, getting out of our comfort zone can be uncomfortable at first, but it can lead to a good day at work in the end. Then we can begin to feel better, more competent, having achieved something unexpected.

– Have you ever put off doing something that horrifies you or you don’t like? This can affect your health and well-being, as those tasks are unlikely to go away on their own. Once you start addressing them, it can bring about a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Most of us have jobs that we’re not too eager to tackle; administration and accounting definitely top my list. But doing a little each day or allocating a particular time each week to stay on top of those tasks can make for a good day’s work. This helps you better manage stress, which supports your overall health and well-being.

– Appreciation can be an important component to have a good day at work. Someone may have heard our suggestions and taken them into account or realized how hard we’ve worked and given us the recognition and credit it deserves. None of us can fully appreciate the effort and sacrifices someone might have made in performing a task for us. Gratitude and a simple acknowledgment demonstrate good manners and can make a significant difference in one’s day.

– Quality interactions with others. they are also important, especially for those who work from home, where days can sometimes go by without seeing a friendly face. It is important to set aside time to meet others, perhaps through networking or by scheduling a coffee or short break to catch up and discuss challenges and experiences. Be sure to strengthen your relationships with friends and colleagues, as well as at home, by meeting people who like you, support you, and are interested in talking about you in a non-work related way.

A good day at work can have many elements. Doing a good job, where you deliver what your client or client is looking for, perhaps anticipating their needs, and being recognized as skilled, perhaps even an expert, is certainly a positive way. It is also important to invest in your relationships both at work and at home, thus establishing a good support network around you.

Don’t forget to carve out some time away from work for yourself, time to indulge in your hobbies and interests, read a book, or just sit and enjoy a coffee doing nothing. That also helps make your day at work an even more fulfilling and positive experience.