What is workplace energy?
Workplace energy is our ability to carry out tasks throughout the day and week to week. It’s not the same as working more hours or at a faster pace. Working longer hours with fewer breaks can lead to burnout and fatigue, which are counterproductive and generally lead to unhappy employees. Our energy in the workplace can fluctuate depending on our physical and mental health and overall job satisfaction.
Why is energy important in an organization?
Energized employees are well rested, feel fresh, and are ready to engage in tasks. They also tend to be more motivated at work. Work-related stress and negative emotions can drain energy and lead to a lack of motivation and effort. Recognizing and addressing factors that affect employee energy at work can improve their overall wellbeing and potentially increase productivity.
Related: Improving work wellbeing
Top three ways employees feel energized in the workplace
A research study conducted by Indeed and Oxford University surveyed nearly 25 million people across 10 countries and asked, “What makes you feel energized at work?” They chose the following three responses most often:
- When I get excited about the work I do
- When I feel inspired to do my best
- When I feel challenged at work
Related: How to Develop Emotional Intelligence to Become a Better Leader
How companies can help employees maintain their energy
Companies focused on employee wellbeing can benefit from educating their staff on avoiding burnout and renewing their energy throughout the day. While much to do with energy at work is related to habits outside the office, managers can still offer practical ways for employees to manage stress, such as:
Adopt healthier habits
Consistent energy at work begins outside the office, with employees taking better care of their physical health. Educate staff on the importance of getting adequate sleep, exercise, nutrition, and rest to help them maintain more consistent energy levels throughout the day. These habits also help them manage their emotions and stay more focused, resulting in a more productive day.
Take breaks
For many employees and managers, taking breaks at work can feel countercultural and counterintuitive, as they have spent many years working long hours to measure their self-worth. However, taking a short break during work hours can be very effective as long as the employee takes the time to disengage from work. Encouraging practices such as talking to a colleague about something besides work, listening to music through headphones or earbuds, or taking a short walk can be enough to feel recharged and lead to a more productive day.
Related: How Talent Leaders Can Manage Their Teams’ Burnout — and Their Own — in 2023
Be aware of emotional triggers
Energy levels can be depleted for employees facing constant demands and challenges in their daily jobs. People tend to experience negative emotions if they are in a fight-or-flight response for long periods. They may become irritable, anxious, or defensive, making it challenging to maintain their composure. A negative state of mind can drain their energy and make it hard to think clearly or problem-solve effectively. Recognizing what events trigger negative emotions throughout the day can help managers determine how to reduce employee stress by controlling their work demands.
Related: Strategies to Optimize Stress Management at Work
Express appreciation
Just as negative emotions can drain our energy, positive emotions can help recharge it. Showing appreciation to a coworker or your employee can bring you as much positivity as it gives to them receiving it. It can be a handwritten note, an e-mail, a call, or a stop by their desk and say it in person. Showing a genuine interest in your team can go a long way to boosting positivity throughout the organization and helping employees feel recharged.
Related: How to Motivate Your Employees
Focus energy differently
Many of us have been taught that multitasking is an asset, but it may make us less productive. Multitasking is simply a series of distractions that cause us to shift from one task to another, ultimately increasing the time it takes to complete a task. Focusing on one task for one to two hours, followed by a break, and then switching to another can be a far more effective use of time and energy. Employees may find they struggle to concentrate because they are interrupted continuously. Managers can encourage employees to reduce distractions like e-mail or chat notifications by checking them at specific times rather than responding immediately.
Help employees find their value
When employees engage in work that truly matters to them, they typically feel more energized, are better able to focus and show greater perseverance. Engage in more regular conversations about their aspirations, career goals, and aspects of the job they find most rewarding. Frequent communication and goal setting can help employees feel more engaged, enthused, and committed to the company’s goals.
Companies that focus on employee wellbeing and implement strategies to help them feel more energized can help prevent employee burnout, reduce the need for paid and unpaid sick leave, create a happier workforce, and prevent turnover. Educating managers and staff on healthier practices like taking breaks and reducing stress can help create a more productive team.
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