According to a October 2011 survey on employee engagement in the Middle East, 77% of professionals in the region feel they are effectively engaged at work. Whether you've just found your dream job or are still searching daily online for the perfect opportunity, there are countless simple ways to make your current career more fulfilling. Here are some tips from the team.
Communicate More and Better
Ongoing communication channels are essential for an effective workplace and strong relationships with managers, colleagues, and clients. Maintain constructive, professional, and calm communication, and always listen at least as much as you speak. You'll come across as more cooperative and friendly when you communicate more with those around you and express your thoughts and feelings more effectively. A majority (35%) in a fourth-quarter 2011 survey indicated that what professionals want most from their managers is consistent and respectful communication, while 18% in another fourth-quarter 2011 survey stated that better relationships with their manager or coworkers are what they need most to engage effectively at work. Start improving your relationships today and see how much more comfortable you’ll feel in your role.
Offer Help
We all have heavy workloads, but try to set aside time to assist or advise someone who seems to need it—whether it’s a new employee or a team struggling with a project. Remember, everyone works toward the same goals, and you’ll likely receive positive reactions and goodwill in return for offering support. This can be especially rewarding if you contribute to projects that interest you, helping both the company and increasing your own job satisfaction simultaneously. However, only offer help when needed or requested to avoid creating discomfort for others.
Personalize Your Workspace
Whether you work from a private room, your car, or a corner desk, taking extra steps to personalize and organize your workspace can help you relax and feel more at ease at work. Make an effort to customize your space into one that comforts you without disturbing others. Add a plant to your desk, use file organizers, choose stationery with your name in your favorite color, display photos of family and friends, hang artwork you like, keep your favorite book nearby, or simply maintain a clean, minimalist space.
Maintain Good Health
A 2012 survey on workplace health habits in the Middle East and North Africa revealed that 18% of professionals in the region do not exercise at all, and most of those who do only exercise occasionally. Furthermore, 32% consider their eating habits unhealthy. Remember, a healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Stick to guidelines for healthy eating at work and follow a nutritious diet that keeps you energized throughout the day. Complement this with physical activity that fits your lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be difficult—start by replacing candy or a bag of chips on your desk with fresh fruit or cut vegetables, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. Try arriving at work early and using the gym at your workplace if available; every small step toward a healthier life counts.
Learn Something New
Nothing empowers and renews like learning, especially when approaching your work with new tools, valuable skills, and technical knowledge. Stay updated on developments in your field through any available means—conferences, seminars, exhibitions, online courses, or even reading in your free time. A 2011 survey showed that 97% believe regularly reading relevant books and articles is essential for professional growth, with 70% calling it "very important," and 78% reporting they do so regularly. In another survey, "willingness to learn" was identified as the most important factor for professional success. By embracing lifelong learning, you can continuously improve your performance, be seen as an expert in your field, and enhance both your professional reputation and personal sense of fulfillment.
Smile
Smiling is one of the simplest yet most beneficial actions—it makes you appear approachable and more successful. So start smiling, through good times and bad, and notice how your mood improves. People naturally prefer those who are happy and positive. Always remember that you are in charge of your career and can shape it in different directions through the right behavior and mindset. A survey showed that most professionals in the region believe they are directly responsible for reaching their desired career level, with the majority stating that hard work and sound decisions pay off.
