Employee engagement has been in the news for some time now, with the nadir reached in 2013 when Gallup revealed that just 13% of employees are engaged at work.  That stark announcement prompted much hand wringing about just why workplaces were such dreadful places, and what employers could do to change things.

Much of the discussions focused around what the employer could do, as if employee engagement was something only determined via external means, that there was nothing we as individuals could do to influence our own motivation levels.

Making ourselves more motivated

A recent study highlights how we can go about boosting our own engagement levels.

“The good news is that we can choose to change our beliefs or strategies to cultivate passion gradually or seek compatibility from the outset, and be just as effective in the long run at achieving this coveted experience,” the authors say.

The study examined how two mindsets, that of fit theory (ie when you expect the job to engage you), or the develop theory (ie where you can build engagement with the job), effected the expectations, choices and outcomes of participants.

It emerged that both mentalities can be effective at achieving engagement, but they differ when it comes to motivating us to get to the engaged state.

For instance, those in the fit theory group tended to select jobs they would enjoy from day one.  Those in the develop theory group however focused more on cultivating engagement over time.

“Thus, they are more likely to prioritize vocational characteristics other than immediate enjoyment, such as pay,” the authors say.

How to cultivate engagement

So how can you go about cultivating greater levels of engagement?  The following tips may help you feel more engaged about your work.

• Think of your framing – we all have a perception of our work, and often this can demotivate us.  For instance, it might be that it isn’t what we want to be doing with our lives, or that it’s failing to utilize our talents.  Your job may not be where you see yourself in 10 years time, but it’s where you are now, so make the most of it.
• Hunt down opportunities to shine – your job may not tap into all of your abilities, but despite what your job description says, most jobs are somewhat malleable in what you can do within them.
• Help a colleague – going beyond your job description is also likely to require you to help out your colleagues in some way.  Doing this is often a great way to feel happier about your work.
• Expand your job – you’re probably noticing a theme here, but if you see things that need doing, and you feel you can contribute to them, do them, even if they’re not part of your job description.

Hopefully these tips give you some ideas on how you can make your job more rewarding and enjoyable.  Do you have any others that have worked for you?