Staying : how will I regain my enthusiasm?

And if I stay, how will I regain my enthusiasm?

After much mulling over, you’ve decided not to quit your job. The uncertain economy has finally weighed in on the side of job security. But in such a situation, how do you go about getting the spark back?

Motivation, the key ingredient that makes it possible to get up in the morning to go to work, does not grow on trees! “You need to be proactive and to forge ahead and suggest things to your boss,” believes CHRP Louise Brochu, Senior Director with Raymond Chabot Human Resources. To once again have fire in your belly, you can ask for a special assignment or project that is of particular interest to you.

“You need to be motivated by the very essence of the work, which gives you the energy required to come in to work every day,” adds Ms. Brochu. In this context, changing a few secondary considerations, such as working hours, is not a panacea, although it may temporarily relieve certain irritants.

According to Danielle Labre, CHRP and Senior Partner with Vézina Nadeau Labre, a human resources consulting firm, states that salary increases are not the answer either. “You then find yourself in a gold cage—you’re demotivated, but you stay because the conditions are good.”

Small accommodations that can be made

Sometimes factors that have nothing to do with the nature of the work itself can end up decreasing motivation. For example, the company may have moved to a new location, making it impossible to pick the kids up from daycare on time. In such a situation, the boss agreeing to flextime will make it a lot easier for employees, who will regain their pep. A little accommodation can sometimes work wonders!