It's not breaking news that many people don't enjoy their jobs. Many factors can contribute to that, but what may be worth looking at are reasons why people enjoy their work.
Mashable recently used data gathered by TINYpulse about workplace satisfaction to identify the top five reasons people love their jobs. If you're currently among the disgruntled ranks or are worried that you may join them soon, look at this list and keep it in mind while you send out resumes and get interviewed.
1. The People with Whom You Work
Whether your job is amazing or abysmal, colleagues and co-workers can make or break your experience at work. Many veterans remember the camaraderie they shared with other service members in the military. It's rare to find that type of relationship in the civilian world, but it is possible to find a job with co-workers you trust, respect and rely on. It can be difficult to ensure that a company employs people you'll work well with, so if you have a chance, talk to as many of them as you can before accepting an offer.
2. Freedom in the Workplace
No one likes being micromanaged, and a healthy degree of autonomy in the workplace can keep you motivated. Often, certain freedoms must be earned, but there's a difference between a boss who checks your work after it's completed and a boss who tries to direct you every step of the way.
While interviewing for a job, ask your interviewer about their style of management and, separately, how much independence employees are expected to maintain.
3. Culture of the Company
Company culture plays a big role in job satisfaction:
- What are the values of the company?
- How does management run the operation?
- What type of work ethic do most employees exhibit?
Companies usually try to establish that you'll mesh well with them before you're hired, but that doesn't mean that they will mesh with you. If you can afford to, identify whether the company exhibits the values you believe in before signing on.
4. Variety of Work
Monotonous work is rarely enjoyable, regardless of the industry or job description. Many people say that part of their enjoyment at work comes from participating in a variety of tasks, so make sure you have a clear understanding of what the day-to-day work will entail.
5. New Challenges
Staring down years of stagnation is not an ideal way to spend your time. If your work isn't challenging, your brain won't be engaged and you'll get bored. Boredom, over time, can mutate into a number of nasty attitudes that will impair your quality of work and enjoyment of life.
Some jobs will inherently offer challenges, but if you find yourself lacking any new metaphorical mountains to climb, it may be time to push upward or move out.
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