It’s a typical Tuesday morning and you are staring at your work computer screen.
And just have not made any progress yet. You are also late to work these days and feel like you just don’t feel like doing anything.
“Ah! Wish I could just escape from all this and go to some place for a while” you think
Well! You are not alone.
57% in India are unenthusiastic or bored about their current jobs
Did you see that? It means that half of the colleagues you are working with now feel the same as you do!
Alarming, isn’t it? But there is a reason why you feel this way.
Let’s get into it right away.
7 reasons why you are demotivated at work
1. There is nothing new in your life
You wake up early, run for the commute, do the work and get back home. Doing this same thing for months or perhaps years can at some point feel so monotonous. That is why remote working was so welcomed with open arms by people.
Routine can be comforting, but it can also become monotonous. When every day feels the same, it’s easy to lose enthusiasm. When your job feels boring or the same with no new challenges, you are probably going to end up hating your job. Introducing small changes in your routine or taking on new challenges can make a big difference.
2. Maybe you’re depressed
Depression can sap your energy and make even the smallest tasks seem overwhelming. It goes beyond feeling sad or having a bad day; it’s a persistent feeling of emptiness and lack of motivation that can interfere with your daily life.
Signs that you might be dealing with depression include:
- Constant fatigue despite adequate rest
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
If you suspect that depression might be affecting your work, it’s crucial to seek professional help. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and addressing it can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being and job performance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
3. Your career is not progressing
You work 9 to 5 every day but your career seems to be stuck in a rut. Stagnation in your career can lead to feelings of frustration and demotivation. If you feel stuck, it might be time to evaluate your career goals and look for growth opportunities, whether within your current organization or elsewhere.
But it is important to evaluate the reasons why you are stuck and not progressing. Is there anything you can do about it? Do you lack skills? Do you need to upskill? Evaluate yourself.
4. Your manager is the problem
“People do not quit jobs. They quit bad managers” –
A well-known but underrated quote. An employee may tolerate alot of things like improper commute, work pressure at one point but the reason why they are most of the times forced to slam the door is because they have a poor manager.
Financial Express in its article mentions that 72% of employees say their manager’s support, and encouragement motivates them to go above and beyond in the workplace.
This is what you can do:
Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your manager to discuss your concerns. Be honest but diplomatic, focusing on how specific actions or behaviors impact your work and motivation.Use “I” statements to express your feelings without sounding accusatory, e.g., “I feel overwhelmed when I receive last-minute tasks because it affects my ability to meet deadlines.”
Your manager has a huge impact and influence on your job. If your manager is someone who does not value you or appreciates you, over time your motivation to work will start down sliding.
5. You are undervalued
There is nothing worse than the feeling of being undervalued. You put in hours and hours of work every day and at the end, you feel like you are ‘not seen’ enough.
Slowly, you start to think — ‘Maybe I’m not as good as others’ and there the point of demotivation starts. You no longer have the willingness to work because you feel it’s not going to matter.
Annie McKee, author of How to Be Happy at Work says that “ “We all have a human need to be appreciated for our efforts, and so when your colleagues don’t notice [your contributions], it makes you feel as though you don’t belong.”
But before you feel like the victim, ask yourself the question — ‘Am I being realistic about the amount of appreciation? Did I really do a good job? Was my work so good to be appreciated?’
6. Or maybe it’s ‘You’
Sometimes, the root of the problem lies within us. Self-reflection can help identify personal habits or attitudes that may be contributing to your feelings of demotivation.
- Are you setting unrealistic expectations for yourself?
- Are you taking care of your physical and mental health?
- Are you facing any personal issues that is hindering your job life?
- Do you need to upskill?
Since the world has been taken by the AI storm, people have been fired left and right. But those who learnt how to use AI to get done faster and more efficiently were given a raise. AI will not replace you but those who know how to use AI will replace you.
7. Other reasons?
Work-Life Balance: A poor work-life balance can drain your energy and enthusiasm. It’s important to set boundaries and make time for activities outside of work.Lack of Recognition: Feeling unappreciated at work can be a major demotivator. Regular feedback and recognition from peers and superiors can significantly boost morale.Work Environment: A toxic work environment can sap your motivation. Negative interactions, lack of support, and an unhealthy culture can all contribute to demotivation.
The pandemic had a huge impact on the workforce. It changed the way jobs operated and influenced the way employers think about the work.
An overwhelming 65% of jobseekers believe that the ongoing layoffs may hinder their willingness to go the extra mile in their jobs.
Maybe that is the reason you are feeling this way.
Conclusion:
Feeling demotivated at work is a common issue, but it’s essential to identify the root causes and take proactive steps to address them. Whether it’s introducing variety into your routine, seeking new challenges, or taking care of your mental health, there are many ways to reignite your passion for your job. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and make changes to improve your work life and overall well-being.