There is more thinking and talking about “work” and what it means now than at any time I can remember. Certainly, we are living in a time of change and the nature and paradigm of work is changing with it. I am all for this discussion and the adaptation of new ideas about when, where, and how we work. But there is something more fundamental about work we can adapt, too. It is our fundamental view of work.
What Does Work Mean to You?
The word “work” carries meaning for everyone – and for most people it isn’t 100% positive. Work is something we have to do. Most people say they wouldn’t work if they didn’t have to – which is one reason why people look forward to retirement so much. The synonyms for “work” support this view. They include effort, struggle, obligation, exertion, sweat, toil and struggle. I suppose it isn’t surprising people can’t wait for quitting time or Friday afternoon.
While all of this is the generalized view of work, what is yours?
What if it Could Change?
What if you saw work differently? For example, if you saw your work as more like play – more enjoyable and less exertion – would it change your attitude, mental health and results when doing it?
More specifically, think of a time when you did enjoy your work – how was your experience different?
Making the Change
While it is easy to think about how our experience of work could change if our thoughts about it changed, those thoughts are deep seated. Those thoughts come from our language, as we have seen, and also from media, our conversations, and our life experiences. Chances are you developed your view of work first from your parents, and how they talked about the work, their boss and perhaps how they “worked for the weekend!”
If you would like to change that view of work, and see it a little more like play and a little less of a pain, start with this question: What do you love about your work?
Before you read on, think about your answer…
Some Thoughts from Others
I asked this question of readers of my daily email (you can learn more and subscribe for free here). What do you love about work?
Over the few days that followed, I received many great responses. In each response I felt a passion and a caring about work that was different from what I described above. And there is no doubt that each of those respondents were more effective and productive in their work, as well as happier too.
I took the time to categorize their responses into the reasons they gave – their answers as to why they love their work. This wasn’t a survey – I didn’t pick the categories; I asked the open-ended question I asked you. Some people responded with a brief line; others gave me paragraphs. From their answers I created the categories you see below. You may find it instructive that most respondents had more than one reason they loved their work.
Sense of purpose 22.5%
The work itself 19.7%
Problem solving/overcoming challenges 11.3%
Helping others 11.3%
Coworkers/team 9.9%
Coaching others 5.6%
Fun 5.6%
Other answers included flexibility, variety, relationships at work, and personal growth.
There is more I could say about these results that apply directly to this article. Let me just say this: If you find any of these things in your work – and recognize it – your view of work will likely be healthier and more self-sustaining than if you don’t. Part of it is perspective and mindset, but some of these items a leader can help people see too – especially the number one item on the list.
A Chance to Win
I’d like to continue to build on my initial research by asking you to share your answers to the same question – what do you love about your work?
Just email your answers here.
If you respond with your answer (and you don’t have to use the categories above – just share your answer), you will be entered in a drawing to win a limited-edition Make Work Play t-shirt or other gift if our supply is depleted. We will notify you if you are a winner. While I would love your response, it is far more important that you think about your own answers to perhaps shift your view of work, and maybe make your work a bit more like play.
…
The future of work is changing – including how we think about it and integrate it into our lives. Want to keep tabs on what is happening as we move into the future of work? Want to be equipped with ideas and actions to help you succeed as the world of work changes? Subscribe to our free weekly Future of Work newsletter today!
Work is an opportunity to do what I do best as well as learn something new every day.