Why caring about your job is more important than you might realise.
?A feature of how the workplace has changed over my lifetime is the increase in the importance of a work-life balance. When I first started working back in 1986, the concept of a work-life balance was rarely mentioned, if ever. In the modern workplace, employers recognise the value of ensuring staff are well adjusted and not at risk of burn out. An emphasis on rest and recreation is often considered when talk about a work-life balance.
?However, I’d like to talk about the work part of work-life balance and how you care about your work, directly impacts your work-life balance.
?Caring about your job is important, both for your personal well-being and for the success of the company you work for. Here is why you should really CARE about your job:
- Personal fulfilment: A job that you care about provides a sense of purpose and fulfilment in your life. When you feel passionate and engaged in your work, it can contribute to your overall happiness and well-being. Try doing a job you don’t care about. It isn’t fun at all. If you ARE working in a job, you don’t care about, try and work out why this is. Do you understand what the product or service does for the customer. Do you understand the ‘why’ of the company? If not, before you look for a new job, try and understand what your current company stands for. It might change your entire outlook.
- Professional growth: Investing in your job leads to opportunities for professional growth and development. When you truly care about your work, you are more likely to seek out learning opportunities, take on new challenges, and develop valuable skills.
- Job satisfaction: Caring about your job increases job satisfaction. When you enjoy your work and feel a sense of accomplishment, you are more likely to feel satisfied with your career. You will also enjoy your day far more, meaning you’re less stressed and this leads to enjoying your day at work.
- Productivity and performance: Employees who care about their jobs are more motivated and productive. They put in the effort to excel in their roles, benefitting both the individual and the organisation.
- Positive work relationships: When you care about your job, you are more likely to collaborate effectively with colleagues and build positive relationships in the workplace. This can create a more pleasant and supportive work environment. People will see that you are approaching your day positively and that reflects well on you.
- Organisational success: If everyone in a company, cares about their job, it leads to collective success. Engaged and committed employees contribute more to the organisation's growth, profitability, and overall success.
- Career longevity: Caring about your job and consistently performing well leads to greater job security and career longevity. Employers are more likely to retain and promote employees who are dedicated and passionate about their work.
- Impact and contribution: Many jobs have a direct or indirect impact on society. Caring about your job allows you to make a positive contribution to your community, industry, or the world at large. Also consider how your product or service positively impacts the lives of your customers and families. Understanding what this is, makes your work more satisfying.
- Stress reduction: When you care about your job, you are less likely to experience job-related stress and burnout. Passion and enthusiasm for your work can act as a buffer against the negative effects of stress. The old saying, if you love your work, you’ll never work a day in your life holds true here.
- Financial rewards: In many cases, employees who are dedicated to their jobs are more likely to be recognized and rewarded financially. This can include raises, bonuses, and other forms of compensation. This certainly improves your work life balance.
Finding meaning and purpose in your work will enhance your life, but it's essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure overall well-being.
It’s said that no-one lies on their death bed, wishing they’d spent more time at work, however, I disagree with this attitude.
?There are many examples of people that were/ are so passionate and committed to their work that every moment counted, so that they didn’t regret working long hours, because their work mattered so much. They cared; they had a cause.
If you can find your passion for your work or find work that becomes your passion, you’ll have a much higher quality of life.
