Work demotivation: defecting employees and weeping employers

After more than two years of pandemic and other chained crises, more and more working people decide to leave their jobs, and organizations are also beginning to hear more complaints about not finding qualified personnel, lack of performance, talent drain...

And it is that job demotivation, among other issues, has a negative impact on both employees and companies.

It affects the productivity, commitment and health of the working person, since it leads to a considerable increase in stress levels. Therefore, considering that it not only affects the individual worker, but also the company, it must be taken into account in psychosocial risk preventive programs.

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Causes of labor demotivation

Motivation is a key component to unlocking and achieving true potential, but its triggers vary from person to person.

The lack of challenges is one of its causes. Routine and mechanical tasks produce boredom and disinterest in the working person.

It is also important the impossibility of promotion. If the worker does not have the option to promote or improve her conditions, demotivation will come more quickly.

A bad work environment, conflicts between colleagues and toxic leadership are also all too common causes.

Likewise, the discrepancy between the company philosophy and the values ​​and beliefs of the worker can cause demotivation.

• You may be interested: "Types of motivation: the 8 motivational sources"

What can you do as a working person?

Although it must be taken into account in preventive programs for occupational psychosocial risk in companies, you can also have solutions.

Reflect and identify the causes of your demotivation and distinguish it from existential crisis. Reassessing your situation, what you have, what you would like to change in your life, and proposing an action plan, are fundamental steps for its solution.

Communication with your colleagues and bosses It is essential to find the best solution. Seek support from your peers. One of the benefits of social relationships is that they help us improve our mood.

It is unlikely that your work has nothing positive or that you like. Paying attention to what you do like will make it easier for you to feel more comfortable or less overwhelmed.

don't compare yourself. Thinking that you work more but get the same, or less, than other colleagues, could affect your self-esteem and self-efficacy, frustrate you and generate a bad work environment.

work on your intrinsic motivation. Set realistic goals every day at work, meeting them will make you feel like it was worth it, which can reinforce your effort in the short term.

dedicate yourself leisure time and self-care outside of work, you will be able to reconnect with yourself and disconnect from the burden and daily stress.

Nevertheless, no job is worth it at the expense of your health. If you are clear that the best thing for you is to leave it and change, draw up an "exit plan". Planning it in your free time will avoid saturation, increased anxiety and constant negative thoughts while you work.

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What can you do as a company?

Simple: it complies with the LPRL (Law for the Prevention of Occupational Risks). As a company, it is not difficult to understand that an employee who is stressed and dissatisfied will work worse.

But, in addition, the LPRL (Law on the Prevention of Occupational Risks) obliges you to comply and prevent, and yes, the Law includes Psychosocial Risks.

As a working person, stress and apathy, in the long run, can have a very negative impact on you, your health and quality of life.

If you need help, do not hesitate to seek it. From the Psychology of Work, Organizations and Human Resources, specialized professional psychologists, we know and can help.