Creating Joy in the Workplace - Garnering Motivation and Appreciating Your Team

In our fast-paced professional lives, it's all too easy to get caught up in the daily grind and lose sight of the small moments that bring joy and meaning to our work. As a Pediatric Specialty Nurse living and working in Canada, now in the Kingdom of Bahrain I know all too well how difficult it can be to stay motivated and cultivate joy. As working professionals, we spend most of our day navigating through deadlines, projects, and meetings. We often overlook the smiles and support of our colleagues, forgetting the profound impact they can have on our motivation and overall well-being. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I felt inspired to share with you my secret to staying motivated through appreciation.?

Positive Mindset Goes Along Way?

Maintaining motivation in the workplace starts with a positive mindset. Something that I admit is hard to do as we navigate from task to task. But, we must approach each day with a sense of purpose and optimism, even when faced with challenges. By focusing on the positive aspects of your work and the opportunities for growth you can shift your perspective and find renewed motivation.

In my personal and professional life, I practice gratitude journaling. First thing in the morning, I pull out my journal and write down all the “things” that I am grateful for. I list them and sit within that gratitude for a short moment before commencing my work day. It not only helps me stay grounded but sets the tone for the rest of the day.

As a team, we practice “Cheers to Peers”. An endeavor created and implemented by our Founder and CEO Ms. Mona Tadayyon. Each Thursday, every staff member completes a weekly mentorship Google form. Before submitting this form for review each staff member is asked to highlight/recognize any staff member in the organization for the incredible work they did during the week. On Sunday, responses are collated and shared in a company-wide email. Each staff member can then read and revel in their contributions. If you ask any of the team members at REACH about this practice - they will tell you this is the “highlight of their week”. For me, this weekly practice will go with me wherever my professional life takes me.?

Finding Joy in the Small Moments

While striving for a positive mindset it is equally crucial to find joy in the small moments that unfold in your day-to-day work life. Whether it's celebrating a team win, sharing a laugh during a break, or simply engaging in light-hearted conversation, these moments of connection bring a sense of fulfillment and happiness. I am fortunate to sit beside an incredibly knowledgeable and wise woman (Ms. Najah Alqubaiti). Ms. Najah manages the Human Resources department. We often share a cup of coffee in the morning as she teaches me about the “old ways” of Bahrain. Each day she imparts something new about the beautiful and vibrant culture of the Bahraini people. This small exchange brings me so much joy. By taking the time to savor these moments and appreciating the people around us like Ms. Najah, we can infuse our workdays with a sense of joy and fulfillment that transcends any tasks at hand.

Appreciating Your Colleagues

The relationships we form with our colleagues play a pivotal role in shaping our work experience. Beyond collaborating on projects and achieving common goals, our coworkers often serve as a source of inspiration, encouragement, and support. Yet, it's all too easy to take these relationships for granted amidst the hustle and bustle.?

So, during this Valentine’s Day week - take a moment to express your gratitude to the colleagues who make a positive impact on your work experience. Whether it's a heartfelt thank-you note, a genuine compliment, or a simple gesture of kindness, acknowledging the contributions of your coworkers can strengthen your connections and foster a more supportive work environment.?

Wherever and whenever this article finds you, well done on all that you have achieved today. And Happy Valentine’s Day.?

Shayne Reilly, BSN RN