January can be tough. A combination of debt, cold weather, time since Christmas, low motivation and failed New Year’s resolutions sees the most depressing day of the year fall on 21 January this year. And while we know Blue Monday is just a concept, finding the enthusiasm to power through work after a long holiday can make January seem particularly gloomy. In fact, new research also reveals most Brits are likely to hand in their resignation letters on 31 January.
According to a survey, priorities in 2018 included travel, and getting a promotion or pay rise, followed by the resolution to improve mental health. In 2019 a YouGov survey revealed much of the same, with people looking to eat better, exercise more, care for themselves better, learn new skills and get a new job.
With more employees looking to climb the career ladder in 2019, manage work-life balance and increase happiness, here are eight simple ways to crush the career blues and start January off with some positive changes.
Eight Ways to Crush the Career Blues in 2019
1. Ask for an Increase
A poll of 5,000 people in the UK showed 68% hadn’t received a pay rise or promotion in the last year, leading to unhappiness at work. If you’re committed to your job but need more to keep you motivated, it’s definitely time to stop stalling and ask for a raise. Don’t turn the conversation into an ultimatum – if you’re happy with your career but not the pay, make sure to communicate that clearly.
2. Find a Mentor
Take charge of your career track this year by finding a mentor willing to share their insights and experience. In addition to guiding you on career growth and decision making, their constructive feedback can help you expand your skill set. Fortune 500 companies understand the value of mentorship – 71% offer formal mentoring programs to their employees.
3. Get Involved in Teamwork
Volunteer to take on a challenging client project or pitch internal projects with coworkers. Collaboration and teamwork can increase creativity, help strengthen relationships, create a more positive work environment and boost confidence. Some studies also suggest team partnerships can increase productivity at work.
4. Stay Busy
Around 40% of UK employees admit to being bored at work, and more than half think their existing skills are being wasted. Boredom at work is a significant source of stress and can lead to depression and disinterest. Ensure you take regular breaks during long tasks, but during quiet periods, keep yourself busy by learning a new skill or pursuing personal goals that can assist with your career.
5. Upskill Yourself
Increase your value at work by learning a new skill. Research shows that over a third (35%) of skills that are considered important today will change in five years. Find out more about which countries are likely to automate their white-collar workforces first, and which tasks AI will impact most as tech becomes more integrated with our daily lives.
6. Use Vacation Days
Perhaps you want to save time off for a long holiday later in the year, or simply feel you don’t have enough time for a break, but taking regular holidays throughout the year will help you feel refreshed, relaxed and more productive. Here’s how to get the most from your leave days in 2019.
7. Prioritise Mental Health
23% of British workers feel their organisation doesn’t take employee wellbeing seriously, yet more than a third of the UK workforce experience anxiety, depression, or stress. With this in mind, it is imperative to recognise the signs that your mental health may be under pressure and to ensure you de-stress regularly. Find out how to identify and prevent burnout so you can take better care of yourself during the year.
8. Step Out of the Office
No more lunch at your desk in 2019. It’s not natural to stay seated for so long, and research shows Brits spend around nine hours a day sitting down at work – a sedentary lifestyle that takes its toll on our health. Reducing the amount of time you stay seated can do wonders for your productivity, as well as physical and mental health.
Take charge of your happiness and be proactive by contributing to a work environment that sees you excel rather than be demotivated in 2019.
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