As far as workplace trends go, last year saw many employees take up ‘quiet quitting’ globally. After becoming fed up with aspects of their demanding jobs, employees stopped pushing themselves to deliver above and beyond and decided to deliver the bare minimum instead. The thought behind it? Why put work and effort into your role, when your company places no value on you or what you do for them?
As popular as the workplace trend became, it left both employers and employees in a sticky situation. Employees were miserable, wasting their days on a job they just couldn’t stand anymore, and employers were stuck with employees who would not deliver anything more than the bare minimum.
Now, there’s a new workplace trend on the rise and it’s all about taking leadership within your role. Instead of feeling hopeless about prospects within your company, find, create, and cultivate reasons to love what you do. Let’s be honest, most of us aren’t in a position to ‘up and leave’ when work becomes tough. ‘Quiet thriving’ is the answer.
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First coined by Psychologist Lesley Alderman for a story in Washington Post, “quiet thriving” involves taking specific actions and making mental shifts that help you to feel more engaged on the job.” There are steps you can take that will empower you to thrive at work, instead of withering. They all involve shifting the focus towards you.
Be the change
If you’re desperate for something to change within your job, be the change! Taking initiative can be daunting and you might question what the point of doing so is when the company won’t even glance your way, let alone give you a nod of approval. However, once you step up your game and start making noticeable change within the company, then you will be acknowledged.
Climbing the company ladder often involves doing more than what your contract dictates. Showing that you’re cut out for more is your first step. This doesn’t have to look like upping your workload or drowning yourself with boring tasks. Be an advocate for change.
Choose a project that aligns with your interests within the working environment and run with it.
Whether it’s helping train up junior employees, taking on an extra project you’re good at –like writing weekly newsletters for the company or starting an initiative everyone can get behind, like an office ‘savings jar’ for Friday pizzas – any move, big or small, that makes a positive change within the company will get you noticed.
You’ll also be empowered to see that your project has made a positive impact on other employees’ lives.
Shine a spotlight on the good things
It’s far too easy to get caught up in the ‘bad’ side of things when we’re fed up with our jobs. Reminding yourself of the positives can help in these moments, even if you have to write them down, or say them aloud.
You’re there for a reason – remind yourself of your good qualities and the perks of your job. It may be difficult to get into it at first when you’re in the thick of feeling fed up, but if you take this step along with the others, it becomes easier to recognise strengths and positives because you’ve empowered yourself to do so.
Track your progress
Praise yourself for your progress! It’s easy to become despondent when you’re putting in the extra work for a promotion or simply just acknowledgment and you don’t get anything in return. If the ‘higher ups’ turn a blind eye to your progress, don’t lose sight of how far you’ve come, or what the end goal is.
Once you’ve made a positive change within your role and you’ve taken initiative beyond your contracted responsibilities, you can then approach your employer to outline your progress and chat about the potential for change.
Get crafty
Frame your job as your craft, because it is.
You spend eight hours (or more) every day at working your job. Watching the growth and development of something that started with your energy, is inspiring. Think about the 10 000 hours rule. If you work at your craft for 80 hours a week, for 48 weeks a year, the 10 000 hour mark is reached within 2.6 years. Then you’re a professional at what you do!
Empower yourself by knowing that your craft will stay your craft, even if you eventually leave the company, those skills will transfer elsewhere. Value them, and put the work in.
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Make work besties
Sometimes, all you need to feel a little less fed up is a work bestie to commiserate with and vent to. It’s fascinating what an hour’s lunch break with a close colleague can do. You’ll return to your desk feeling lighter, and you’ll know that your work bestie is there to support you when you feel a rant coming up.
It’s all about the boundaries, babes
‘Being the wave of change’ does not require you to break your boundaries.
You can achieve great things, all within your working hours. Be firm about your boundaries, it’s the only way you can avoid burnout in the long run. Remember, you need to be in a healthy space mentally to do your best at work. You need to attend to other aspects of your life like family, fitness, and personal growth. You deserve some downtime, too!
Give yourself a break
We’re not robots. We can’t focus on one task or jump between multiple for eight hours a day without taking any breaks. Take those lunch and 15-minute tea breaks, they’re important and will help you gain mental clarity and focus back, after pouring it all into tasks.
Whether it’s a small yoga snack, a walk around company grounds, an out-of-office lunch break, or a cup of tea with your work bestie, remember: you’re allowed to take breaks, and you’ll function better by taking them occasionally.
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