5 Employee Retention Strategies for Middle Market Companies

Making up one-third of private sector GDP and employing approximately 47.9 million people, middle market companies (ranging from 500 to 4,999 employees) are vital to the health of the U.S. economy.

In fact, a National Center for the Middle Market report states that “the health of these businesses and their respective outlook serve as a solid indicator for the greater U.S. economy as a whole.”

However, as mid-sized companies experience revenue and employment growth, recruiting, engaging, and retaining top talent remains a challenge. And if the middle market can’t overcome these challenges, our entire economy could suffer.

5 Employee Retention Strategies for Middle Market Companies

#1. Hire for Alignment

One of the top three middle market turnover predictors is misalignment with future. Meaning, when middle market employees are uncertain of how they fit into the company’s future, they’re more likely to leave. Remember this when hiring. Ask applicants what their career goals are and how they plan to achieve them. Then, it is up to you to make sure that the applicant and the position are aligned with your company’s plans for future success. Remember, the cost of hiring the wrong candidate is far greater than the cost of ensuring the right fit.

#2. Collect Employee Feedback

How can you expect to retain talent if you don’t know what’s motivating employees to stay or what might drive them to leave? Collecting regular employee feedback (via annual engagement surveys, pulse surveys, and one-on-one meetings) sends a strong message that you value each individual employee voice even as headcount grows. Plus, employee feedback trends and analytics can actually help you predict employee turnover – by identifying where engagement might be slipping and intervening before it is too late.

#3. Offer Training and Development Opportunities

If middle market employees don’t think their jobs are interesting, challenging, or utilizing their strengths, they’re likely to make a beeline for the door. In fact, the number one predictor of middle market turnover is lack of job satisfaction. Give employees the chance to develop new skills, challenge themselves, and advance their careers by offering training and development opportunities. Any investment you make in your employees’ career growth and professional development will only benefit your growing company.

#4. Create Positive Team Dynamics

When employees like their manager and believe their team collaborates effectively, they’re more likely to be engaged (and less likely to leave). This is especially true in middle market companies, where close-knit team members are often expected to rely on each other to reach department goals. To foster positive team dynamics:

• Train managers on how to build and nurture a passionate team
• Create a culture that expects and values open and honest communication
• Encourage team members to learn and understand each other’s strengths and working personalities
• Clearly define team roles and responsibilities; set public goals to ensure accountability

#5. Motivate in Meaningful Ways

When employees believe their contributions and efforts are recognized, they’re more motivated, more engaged, and more likely to stay at your organization. But as headcount grows, responsibilities increase, and unexpected challenges surface, making it easy for genuine employee recognition to slip through the cracks.

Keep employee recognition at the forefront of your middle market retention strategy by implementing best practices and software that make employees feel valued and fit your culture. Develop a detailed bonus strategy, foster a flexible work environment, or utilize a public recognition board.

Middle market companies are facing real challenges, but none that are too large to overcome.

7 Simple Ways to Reduce Stress in the Workplace

Stress is one of the most daunting obstacles to employee engagement in the modern workplace. In the workplace, employee-environment fit should be the primary focus. If it’s a good match, the employee is likely to be relaxed. A poor fit increases tension and stress. As managers and companies, we need to examine our employees and the environments we create for them. We need to make sure we are providing an office that fits our employees’ definition of “not stressful,” not just what we think that looks like.

We have a few broad ideas that can be used to alleviate workplace stress, but make sure you tailor them to your workforce. Put these ideas into action; and remember, the best strategies start with leadership’s example.

#1. Encourage workplace wellness.

Exercise and healthy living are two of your best weapons against workplace stress. Exercise takes employees’ minds off the stress of their job to focus on the task at hand. It also improves moods by increasing the production of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters.

• Encourage employees to go on a walk during lunch breaks
• Subsidize gym memberships
• Bring a yoga instructor into the office once a month
• Hold a steps contest among teams for those who own fitness trackers
• Offer healthy snacks in the office

Employees feel valued when they think you’re looking out for their health! A study by Peapod.com reported that 66% of employees felt extremely or very happy when their employer regularly stocked the refrigerator and cupboards, and 83% said that having healthy and fresh snack options was a huge perk. Something as simple as keeping fresh fruit or cartons of yogurt in the fridge goes a long way with employees.

#2. Revamp the habitat.

A lot of stress comes from environment. Think about every aspect of your office space and what it does (or doesn’t do) for the wellness of your team. Simple things like the quality of the coffee or the height of the cubicle walls can affect employee engagement.

Update the office with an upbeat color scheme, additional plants, or new silverware. If you have the space, think about adding a ping pong or foosball table to allow employees to take their mind off of their stress for a few minutes. Any changes that increase employee enjoyment will leave them feeling less stressed.

#3. Allow for flexible hours and remote working.

You hired your employees because you have confidence in their ability to do their jobs well and in a timely manner—so let them prove it. Your office shouldn’t feel like a cell, but rather a place that facilitates getting a job done. Let your employees know that their job is defined by the quality and timeliness of their work, not when they punch the clock.

Allow your employees to work remotely, and give flexibility for start and end times. This freedom is great for office morale, and the policy shows employees that you trust them enough not to babysit.  

#4. Encourage social activity.

Employees spend a lot of time together, and the more comfortable they are, the less stress they will feel. As coworkers get to know each other, expectations and communication barriers are broken down, greasing the wheels for easier future interactions. 

#5. Create quiet time.

Stress can’t be completely avoided, but you can help alleviate it when it arrives. Ensure your employees have a place where they can take a break.

Our research shows that more than 80 percent  of disengaged and hostile employees preferred the opportunity to have stress-relief breaks, such as a nap, massage, or required break. A small room, a lounge space at the end of the hall, and even an outdoor bench can be perfect places to find refuge from the chaos of the daily grind. Think about longer, retreat-style vacations, which can serve the same purpose.

If your organization can afford to do so, consider implementing “No Meeting Mondays” or something similar, essentially blocking off time for employees to focus in on individual task and keep from getting bogged down with meetings or overwhelmed by a heavy workload.

#6. Provide onsite or distance counseling.

Many companies have also begun providing counseling as a way for employees to help deal with stress; in a recent study, almost half of workers felt they needed help in learning how to handle the stresses of their jobs. This strategy—in or out of the office, in group settings or individually—can help employees prepare for what stress will come their way.

#7. Recognize your employees.

Employees love being praised for a job well done, and recognizing their success results in a serious boost in engagement. Each employee has a different personality, so be mindful when considering how and when to recognize. Some employees appreciate a call-out during a meeting or praise in a company-wide email, while more reserved types might prefer a card on their desk or a thank you in person.

However you choose to recognize, your employees will appreciate that you are aware off their success and want to share it with others. This makes them happier and more comfortable, in turn lowering stress levels.

7 Things to Never Say In a Job Interview

It’s terrifying to know that the person you’re speaking to is weighing your every word—and could hold the power to change your future. This is why interviews can be so stressful, and why sometimes it can be hard not to blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. No matter how long you prep for the interview, it’s actual practice that gets one better at interviewing. And while there are many things you should say in a job interview, it can be harder to focus on the things not to say. We’ve got the seven things to steer clear of mentioning if you really want that job.

#1. “Whatever”

This is an overlooked word that can highlight a negative aspect about yourself. Even if used in the nonchalant “oh, it’s ok” way, the word’s connotations imply that whatever the subject at hand is, your indifference is the only thing that sticks out. The word is lazy, and it will reflect poorly on how you handle questions, let alone tasks. There are many instances this word might seem appropriate to even begin a statement, but remember that it isn’t, even in cases from “What would you like to drink?” to “What type of role do you see yourself working towards?”  If you can’t make your mind up during an interview, this will easily become obvious to the interviewer.

#2. “How many days do we get for vacation?”

Perhaps you’ve got a family wedding coming up in a few months and you want to plan ahead or you’re just curious about the vacation policy; hold off on asking this question. You’ll find out the answer soon, when and if you receive the offer, and there’s no better way to ensure you get one than to not ask when you can take your first days off.

#3. “Not my fault”

When faced with explaining something that did not work out as well as hoped for, try to explain the situation with grace instead of blame. Whether it was a project that did not succeed or a blow up in the office, do not point fingers. Instead, use this as an opportunity to showcase to your future employer just how you resolve conflicts and issues that arise. Not only will your explanation of a situation indicate your ability to solve issues, but it will signal that you are able to look past “who is to blame” to “how do we handle this situation?”

#4. “Ugh, my last employer…”

Bad mouthing your current or past employer(s) doesn’t reflect poorly on them, it reflects poorly on you. Even if you have conflicts with your boss, don’t say that. There is to be no complaining in an interview. This would not only let the interviewer know that you cannot handle trying situations, but it would also really upset your employer if they ever found out (and they just very well could). However, if you’ve got an example of a difficult situation you had to overcome, then it is appropriate to mention it as it displays your ability to see a problem and solve it.

#5. “I don’t know”

There is nothing worse than an interviewer asking something that they need to know about you, and then finding out that you don’t know that thing either. Before an interview, it’s paramount to refresh yourself on the basic interview questions most companies ask and then to dig deep into the company’s history, ethos, and your role’s requirements. If these two things are done effectively, then “I don’t know” should not have a chance to enter your brain as an answer. If, for some reason, you really do not know the answer, then ask a counterquestion that might help you figure it out on the spot.

#6. “I’m not sure what my weakness is…”

Heralded as the dreaded question of all interviews, this is a no-brainer that it will come up. Therefore, you have been warned. Everyone has a work flaw, and answering “I’m a perfectionist” just won’t cut it. Think about when you felt like you struggled at your job, and it can be anything from time management to organization. Find the area you struggle in, and then come up with solutions as to how to combat this firsthand. By being self-aware, you are not only showing this to your interviewer, but you are helping yourself for future work.

#7. “I don’t have any questions.”

Never leave an interview without asking at least one question. And while there are no bad questions per se, it’s important to have something smart prepared. While researching the company, jot down things you would like to know and things that might even apply directly to your job. Bring this sheet to your interview and if they are answered throughout your conversation, you can always counter something that was mentioned earlier with a question. If all else fails, asking about the day-to-day responsibilities, the important areas of growth within the role, and where the company hopes the new hire will be in 6 months are all good ways to finish off an interview.

Reason Employees Leave Their Jobs

There might have a few times in your career that when you decide to move on from your current job. The reason can vary depending workplace and personal life.

Why it’s important to know reasons employees leave? Because when company has a high turnover rate, this could signify low employee job satisfaction. By knowing the reasons, employers can directly solve a reoccurring issue and make a more pleasant work environment for everyone.

Common Reason Employees Leave Job

#1 Needing More Challenge

After working at same job for a while, employee start to get to know all of the tasks and responsibilities quite well. When there’s little more to learn in the role, employee may start to feel like ready for more challenge.

This is a natural part of growing in the career, especially as the employee become interested in learning new skill.

#2 Looking for Higher Salary

When employee feel underpaid for the work that he/she do, it may be time to move onto a new job. Likewise, they may be ready to accept more responsibilities and with that comes more pay.

As lifestyle changes or family grows, employee may decide that you need to make more money to afford your living expenses.

#3 Feeling Uninspired

When employee start to feel uninspired over time, finding a new job is a way for them to feel passionate about the job once again. Current company may not have opportunities for you to do meaningful work, which is why it’s important that next employer’s values and mission align with the own.

#4 Wanting to Feel Valued

Feeling replaceable at the job may make employee want to search for a position where he/she efforts are valued more. It’s feeling good to know the work is important and making an impact on the success of the company.

Sometimes entry-level positions can make this challenging since have fewer responsibilities. In this scenario, employee is ready for a higher-level job, so they might leave current job.

#5 Seeking a Better Management Relationship

Some employees will discover that he/she get along with some people better than others. Finding a new job may give employee the opportunity to build healthier relationship. If they feel like need a more supportive manager or supervisor, it may be time they look for a company that values employee-manager relationships more.

#6 Searching for Job Growth and Career Advancement

If current employer is limited in the number of promotion or learning opportunities they can offer, employees may want to find an employer who have these resources. Having room to grow in the career is an important part of feeling fulfilled.

A quality employer will offer continued education, like workshops, seminars, lectures or even tuition reimbursement.

#7 Needing More Feedback or Structure

Some people thrive off a more fluid work environment while others need more structure. So while some people required a manager to look on about the progress and effort, but current employer didn’t, he/she will look for a new job.

An integral part of improving performance is to get regular feedback from employer, so some employee will tend to find a job where they have regular performance reviews.

#8 Wanting a Different Work Environment

Every company provide different kind of working environment. This could be actual structure of the workplace and also refer to company’s culture. Every employee may want to find a job that offers he/she a work environment that feel most comfortable working in.

#9 Feeling Conflicted with Workplace Policies

Many employees enjoy workplace offers flexible scheduling and telecommuting opportunities. If they feeling that work policies in current company make it challenging to do this, they might finding other companies that offer such benefits. Some people like fixed schedule working hours, so they will tend to find the company which align with this policy.

#10 Need a Better Work-Life Balance

Having time with friends, family and hobbies is an important part of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Some manager will always contacting employee out of working hours. This might impact employee’s personal time and making him/her feel burnt out.

The only can finding a new job that values employee’s personal time can achieve this balance.

Effective Ways to Train Employees

Although hiring is a quite difficult process for HR, training process is also important element. By taking the time to adequately train your team, you can lower employee turnover rates and improve productivity.

By using some effective ways to train employee you can make your team grow better.

#1 Focus on Hard and Soft Skills

Along with focusing on technical skills, such as learning programs or software, it’s important to focus on developing your team members’ soft skills. These are skills that help them work well with others. By focusing on both hard and soft skills, you can help them become a more well-rounded employee.

#2 Make it Personalized

Even every employee should learn their policies of the company, you may want to personalize the rest of their training. Prior to a new employee starting their job, ask them to fill out a survey that ask them about their preferred learning styles.

By catering your training to their learning style, they can remember new information more effectively.

#3 Use Multiple Platform

Offering training through multiple platform can create a more engaging experience. Blend in-person learning with online videos, quizzes, real-life projects and other ways to teach employees. By having multiple ways they can get to know the material and work on their skills.

Creating a comprehensive how-to guide is a great way to encourage independent learning.

#4 Have Employees Train Each Other

You can assign the experienced team members as a mentor to do a good job teaching the newbie. Make it clear that the new employee can direct any of their questions to this employee. Having a peer do some of the training can make it more comfortable experience.

#5 Try Cross-Training

Depending on your workplace, it may be beneficial to cross-train an employee in different departments. When cross-training, choose the skills that may overlap between two positions. This may help your employees be even more skilled at their main job.

#6 Help Employees Set Goals

Before begin training, have your employees set training goals for themselves. Inform them where you’d like to see their progress at the end of the training session.

Help them find ways to measure their progress and stay focused on meeting these goals. You could offer an incentive like a free lunch or gift card to reward them for their hard work.

#7 Provide Ongoing Education

Ongoing education is a way to further develop your team and encourage professional growth. Opportunities like workshops, seminars, retreats, lectures, conferences, online classes, one-on-one meeting are all helpful ways to continue their learning.

Asking employees what kind of ongoing education they’d like to try is also a great way to show you value their development.

The Importance to Train Employees

It’s important to train employees in order to create a successful team. But why so important to create a training for your team?

#1 Employee Satisfaction 

When employee feel they’re doing their job well, they tend to feel happier at work. Proper training also gives them a sense of support, which can lead to increased job satisfaction.

#2 More Innovation

Giving new employees a solid start to help them stay focused on their work and start thinking of creative ideas.

A continued training can help them gain more skills that help with new possibilities and achieve higher quality of job.

#3 Higher Productivity

When employees knows what they’re doing, they can working their task without waiting for direction. A continued training can start to help your team work toward the company’s goals.

#4 More Efficiency

Rather than having new hires guess how to do their work, training can help them do their work properly. Fewer mistakes lead to more efficiency for the company.

#5 Improved Reputation

Employees who feel satisfied with their employer may spread this information to others who are looking for a job. This can increase your talent pool and give your company a positive reputation.

#6 Lower Employee Turnover

When you invest time in your staff, they are more likely to stay with the company. A proper on-boarding process can make them feel welcome and acclimated to the company.

#7 Better Consistency

A more consistent training process can ensure all employees get an equal opportunity when they first start with the company. When everyone is aware of company policies and procedures, your company may run smoother.

#8 Increased Engagement

Employees who knows that what they should be doing can develop good work habits. Giving them the chance to learn can lower idleness and keep them more invested in their work.

#9 Encourage Future Leadership

By giving employee resources from the start, you can help them feel more motivated to improve their leadership skills. This is especially true if you focus on leadership development initiatives.

Tips for Working Mom

In this decade, working mom is a very normal scenario. Being a working mom takes some skill to make sure you’re performing your work duties and not compromising on important family time.

So, today we’re sharing how can balance work life and home life.

#1 Create a Schedule

As working mom, you have a lot of responsibilities both at work and at home. It can be helpful to create a schedule for yourself. With it, you’ll be able to show your family that you have the ability to keep yourself on track to both succeed at work and have quality family time.

#2 Reevaluate your Expectations

You might have high expectation for work and home life. It’s good idea to check in on your expectations and reevaluate if you find they’re not realistic or causing you and your family undue stress.

By adjust your expectations, you many find less stressful and better able to meet your expectations.

#3 Speak Honestly with your Kids

It may be hard to leave your kids to work, but with an honest conversation, you can help them manage their expectation too. You can talk with your kids about what you do for a living, how you impact people or processes and why you like your job.

#4 Create a Work/Life Balance

It’s important to have a good work/life balance, so you don’t accidentally overwork and miss out on quality family time. To achieve it, you need to have a dedicated stop time to your days, establishing normal working hours. If your manager expect you to answer work calls or work after hours on a project, consider asking if they is a way to adjust part of your week, so you don’t have to compromise family time.

#5 Feel Empowered

Instead of allowing yourself to feel guilty about stretching yourself between work and your family, feel empowered to do well at home and with your family.

Empowerment is important, so you can show your children the value of hard work. Eliminate guilt by knowing when you’re at home, you’re giving it your all, and when you’re at work, you’re doing the same.

#6 Set Boundaries

As working mom, it’s crucial that you set boundaries for both yourself and your children. Boundaries can means when you’re with your children, you put technology away and do not allow yourself to work.

Another way to set boundaries is by saying no. If you say yes to everything, you may not have time for important work tasks or quality family time. You can suggest another method for completing project within your capacity.

#7 Expand your Circle of Friends

Being working mom is a lot of work and balance that only other working moms can relate to and understand. It’s important to be able to speak to others who can provide support and acknowledge that hard work of working moms. This can uplift you and remind you that you’re doing an outstanding job committing to your work and your family.

#8 Develop Shortcuts

If there is an easier or quicker way to get to an end goal, try to take full advantage. Think about other ways to develop shortcuts around your home or office without compromising quality.

Consider looking at project management tools which can integrate with your calendar and task list. Try to avoid long meetings, learning keyboard shortcuts that can help you type quicker.

#9 Practice Self-Care

A big part of working mom is taking time for yourself. It’s important to be able to step away from both work and home at same time and do something that you enjoy. You can read a book, spend time on skincare routine, going for a walk, catching up with friends.

Besides, getting adequate sleep, eating foods and drinking plenty of water. Self-care will gives you freedom to step away from your responsibilities for a moment and come back with more energy and focus.

#10 Prepare the Night Before

The morning can be one of the busiest parts of the day for a working mom. If you can plan for your morning the night before, you may spend that time connecting with your family and starting your day more leisurely than stressed.

How to Stop Procrastinate at Work

There are several methods that can follow to help stay productive and motivated to finish tasks. Consider these tips to stop procrastinating at work so can deliver quality of work on time.

#1 Build Habits Using Two-Minutes Method

This is great way to motivate to build habits that form into routines. Larger tasks can be easier to finish if complete them in smaller, two-minute increments.

For instance, if there is 30-page proposal to write, plan to only work on it for two minutes. Start the project and set timer. By the time reach two minutes, you will feel so engaged in your project that will make you want to work on it longer.

#2 Visualize Your Goals

Visualizing positive and accomplished feeling of meeting your goals and finishing projects can help encourage to complete them.

These goals can be advancing in your career or earning a raise. Just imagine yourself meeting these goals as you push yourself to finish projects and stay on task.

#3 Use Pomodoro Technique

This method values the use of regular breaks to help your brain focus more effectively. It involves working for 25 minutes, then taking 5 minutes breaks. After four 25 minutes intervals of working, taking a 15-minutes break.

This will helps brain stay focus for a set amount of time to ensure portions of your tasks are being completed with little to no distractions.

#4 Complete Challenging Task When You’re Most Productive

Many people feel most productive and focused during certain time periods throughout the day. Plan to complete challenging tasks during your productive moments and simpler tasks when you’re less productive.

#5 Focus on the End Product, Rather Than a Perfect Product

While working on task, sometimes some person will feel stuck as attempt to make every section seems perfect. To keep yourself remaining positive and on task, focus solely on finishing it, rather than make it perfect.

Give yourself a break once you’re finished and return to the project feeling refreshed and add changes to it. The editing and proofreading stage is where you can strengthening to boost the project’s quality.

#6 Reward Yourself When Complete Tough Tasks

Promising yourself a reward when you’ve finished challenging task can help motivate you to complete it. This will gives yourself something to look forward to and pushes you to complete it.

#7 Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

You can only feel more focused and driven if you’re maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of your mind and body allows you to build more energy to feel engaged in your work.

What can do for maintain healthy lifestyle?

• Eating healthy meals
• Practicing a healthy work-life balance
• Exercising regularly
• Getting appropriate amount of sleep

#8 Work In a Comfortable Environment

You may feel more productive if you’re working in an environment you feel comfortable in. You can improve your office environment by placing more plants, lamps or photos to make it more positive and at-home feel.

Feeling comfortable while work can make yourself more excited to come to work.

#9 Build a To-Do List

Build a to-do list which list all of the upcoming task with deadlines. In the to-do list, prioritize the task by deadlines and importance level of the task. It can help you to organize your task better.

#10 Use a Schedule to Set Deadlines

Insert your to-do list into your schedule to make your task more manageable and helps you set deadlines for yourself. You may use online calendar or purchase a planner. Set the due dates and block off time to work.

 

Why Procrastination Happen At Work

Procrastination occurs when you have a task to finish and delay its completion to a later time. What are the reason which cause people procrastinate their task?

#1 They’re Less Urgent Task

Tasks with quickly approaching deadlines are often easier to prioritize over ones that can be completed any time. So people will keep procrastinating the task which without a deadline given.

#2 You’re Unsure How to Begin a Task

Someone may procrastinate a larger project because unsure of how to begin. Not knowing the first step to a project will cause delay from starting it.

#3 Fear of Failure 

Some people will feel nervous to work on task out of fear that final project isn’t impressive as expected. This often comes from setting high standards for self that can be very challenging to meet.

#4 Work Better Under Pressure

Some employees procrastinate their work because they feel they’re performing better when they only have a short time to submit it.

They may enjoy the feeling of not knowing whether they’ll submit on time, which causes them to work harder to submit it right before it’s due.

#5 There’s an Urge to Complete Other Task First

There some employees who procrastinate their task because they simply don’t feel the need to complete them. They may instead feel more enthusiastic about completing other activities that sound more appealing to them.

Only find out the reason why you or your employees procrastinate at work, then we can find a way to adjust and help on it.

 

What to do when You’re Frustrated at work

If you feel frustrated at work, you may be evaluating whether you should stay in your job or look for a new opportunities.

Learning to manage your frustrations and even shift your perspective can sometimes completely change your outlook for your job.

Steps to take if you’re frustrated at work

#1 Give Yourself A Moment

If you’re feeling frustrated at work in general, it’s important to always take a moment to pause before reacting to any kind of frustration in workplace.

When you start to feel any strong emotion at work around your colleagues, pause and consider how you want to respond. The important step is to just notice the negative emotions early enough to remind yourself not to react.

#2 Look for Positives

Stop and look at the situation and identify exactly why it is you’re frustrated. Be specific and write down everything that’s frustrating you and try to think positive about that situation.

As example, if one of your frustrations it that your manager is chronically late, try to look at it from a positive perspective and think about that fact that you have more time to prepare or just relax to be mentally ready for the meeting.

#3 Identify What is Working

Even you’re feel frustrated at work, there are likely still aspects of your job that you do enjoy. Maybe is a competitive salary, a flexible work schedule, generous vacation time or even just the people you work with.

By examining the areas of your position that you enjoy and shifting your perspective, you may realize the position is worth the additional frustration.

#4 Share With Someone Who’s Objective

A great way to manage feeling and gain new perspective on the situation is to find someone who’s removed from the situation to talk to.

This person can give you their unbiased point of view and perhaps offer a new perspective you hadn’t considered.

#5 Visualize Life One Year From Now

Another good way is to ask yourself how much it will matter to you one, five or even ten years in the future. Think about your long term professional goals and where you want to be one year from now.

This can help you decide whether you want to address your frustrations directly or let them go.

#6 Speak With Your Manager

Depending on the reason for your frustration, it may be worthwhile to have a conversation with your manager. If you want to take this approach, it’s important to approach the conversation prepared.

Outline your current situation and include what’s going well in your role. Be prepared to propose a resolution where you discuss specific ways you can be more successful and happier in your position.

Be calmly approaching your manager and presenting well-thought-out idea.

#7 Look for Where You Can Make Positive Changes

If you decide to stay in your job for the time being and look for ways you can make positive changes that reduce or eliminate your frustration with work.

You could also look for a new hobby outside of work. You may even want to focus on learning new skill for professional development that could lead to new opportunities at a later time.

#8 Remember that You Are In Control

It’s important to remember you’re the person in control of your life and what steps you take next.

If you feel frustrated at work and you allow it to create negative outlook for your life, it will only make you more frustrated. If you shift your perspective towards optimism and remember you’re in control of your future, you can start to identify changes you need to make to feel happier and more content in all areas of your life.

#9 Use the Situation as Motivation

Anytime you’re feeling frustrated at work, focus your attention on ways you can improve the situation. Ask yourself how obstacle could become an opportunity for growth.

Don’t focus on negative emotion, set a new goal that will help you overcome the obstacle at hand, and focus your energy on achieving that.

#10 Focus on Your Abilities

You have skills, talents and abilities to do your job. They are reason that your company hired you.

When you find yourself participating in negative self-talk, take a moment to write down 3 things that you like about yourself. By focusing on your strengths, you’ll feel positive about any situation easier.