The average person spends an astonishing 21 percent of their total waking hours working over the course of their life. While that number obviously varies from person-to-person, it highlights a key point: You spend a lot of time on the job.
It may be daunting to think of work that way. For some people, that number represents reward and fulfillment – not just in the salary earned, but also in engaging in a career that challenges and brings out the best in them. While not everyone enjoys their work to that extent, workers can make the best of this time with a positive attitude.
With hectic schedules, long commutes and outside stresses, it can sometimes be difficult to remain positive in the workplace, but it’s vital to your success. While businesses reward intelligence, creativity and loyalty, they also want employees who improve the quality of the work environment. There are many employers that will take an employee with slightly less talent if they have a positive attitude and serve as a solid role model for others in the company.
Let’s look at some of the most important ways you can bring positivity to the workplace with you.
Be Appreciative
The best place to start is communication with your co-workers. While you may not get along with everyone you work with, there will come times when nearly everyone in your office does something that you can thank them for. It may be help with a project, lending you supplies or organizing the company potluck lunch.
If you take the time to thank others for their contributions – no matter how small – it will reflect positively on you and you will likely receive more recognition for the things you do. In the end, everyone is better off. Compare this to a person who is routinely negative – they probably most often get a cold reaction from your coworkers. Being appreciative can go a long way to helping you stay positive yourself while spreading positivity to others.
Volunteer
Most workplaces feature people who are overworked, especially in today’s economy where companies continually look for ways to make workflows more efficient. While your plate may be filled too, take time to volunteer or pitch in where you can. That may be helping fill in for an employee when they go on vacation, picking up an extra assignment or planning the company holiday party. Volunteering shows that you are a team player and makes you even more valued by your co-workers. Even if extra work doesn’t come your way, sometimes just offering to help can be a big plus in your favor.
Recharge When Necessary
Most companies offer paid time off as a benefit for employees who work a full-time schedule. Some employees may feel guilty for taking this time, especially if there is a high workload, but it is important to take time away from the office. Doing so can help you step away from the daily pressures and also realize and appreciate the reasons why you work, like spending time with family or traveling. If you’ve earned time, take it as you need without guilt so you can be a better employee when you return.
Also think about finding ways to recharge during the day. Some offices have a gym or there may be one nearby. That can be an excellent way to relieve stress, especially at jobs that are mentally taxing. If that’s not an option, sometimes just taking a break to step out of the office for some fresh air or to call a loved one can help recharge you to continue being positive throughout your day.
Leave Your Personal Problems at Home
Sometimes it will feel like you spend more time with your co-workers than you do your actual family. While you will surely get comfortable with a number of them, it’s best to leave any personal issues at home as much as you can. While you may be upset with your spouse or your neighbor or your commute, letting those challenges influence you at work can be troublesome for your motivation and focus. Many people face the same challenges and if you are constantly venting about your issues from outside of the office, you can earn a negative reputation among your co-workers as that person who’s always complaining.
Be Social
Part of having a positive attitude includes being part of the culture of the office. While you may, at times, want to drift into the background, employers recognize employees who have a positive impact on company morale. That may including things such as running the work fantasy football league or organizing a take your child to work day. All of these things may seem small, but if do them with a positive attitude it will rub off on your co-workers and get noticed by your employers.
Work is a big part of your life. Try to make the best of your working situation. A positive and friendly attitude will not only make the workday more fun, it will get you positive attention that could lead to a raise, a promotion or other rewards you may want. At Environmental Cleaning Services, we believe that the right attitude goes a long way to building a positive company. We want to work with positive people and we believe that the right attitude is a huge part of any job.
Our team of cleaning experts has offered friendly and professional janitorial, cleaning and even damage restoration services to Dallas-Fort Worth businesses for more than 40 years. While the tips above can help you clean up your attitude and be more positive, you can be positive that we will clean up your office promptly and thoroughly. To learn more or to receive a free quote, give us a call today at 214-526-6814.
