Demotivation at Work

Among the various sources of social ill-being, there are a few that come directly from our professional activity. These include demotivation, nervous fatigue, but also stress, even burn-out.

When the demotivation appears, it is necessary to know to locate it in time so as not to allow greater discomforts to settle and to endanger our health.

Adapted solutions exist and should not hesitate to use them.

Why is it demotivated?

What is demotivation?

Unlike motivation, which involves a burst of energy to carry out a task and implements our enthusiasm to achieve our goals, demotivation is a lack of desire to do what we have to do.

The demotivated person may feel tired, no longer want to do what usually does and sometimes will take refuge in other activities that seem more pleasant to him/her.

Reasons for demotivation

The reasons for demotivation may vary from one individual to another:

* Causes related to the environment:

- some feel demotivated during the winter seasons: they feel like dragging themselves, being more tired...

- demotivation can be expressed on the scale of an entire society: during periods of crisis, unrest (strikes, demonstrations...).

- demotivation can be related to a close person: illness for example...

- demotivation can result from poor management. The workplace is often the area most affected by demotivation: repetitive tasks, feelings of not progressing, lack of recognition of the hierarchy, bad general atmosphere...

* Causes related to physical or mental health: A person who is physically or permanently depressed will tend to feel more demotivated because of a lack of enthusiasm to perform all the ordinary tasks.

Subjectivity and motivation

* The motivating factors are not the same from one person to another. For example: some are motivated by the salary, others by a good working atmosphere...

* Similarly, some will be motivated by one task, others by the need of a recognition rather than by the task.

The consequences of demotivation

Demotivation can lead to certain disorders such as:

* fatigue;

* nervousness, irritability;

* loss of self-confidence;

* loss of appetite;

* confinement, isolation: the urge to do nothing, not to see anyone;

* state of stress;

* memory impairment;

* behavioral disorders...

From demotivation to motivation

Work on yourself

* First, identify the triggering factor of the demotivation to understand it and find the appropriate solution;

* Consult a specialist, initiate a psychotherapy or hire a personal coach;

* Find other sources of motivation. For example, feeling demotivated in the workplace and not being able to change jobs often leads people who are demotivated to do more extra-professional activities and enjoy themselves in other fields than work.

Changing your career

Changing jobs is not always easy or even feasible. Faced with demotivation at work, it is important to think about finding a more motivating position.

Some tracks:

* Evolve the content of his work, to include more interesting, more rewarding tasks, or even simply to break the monotony;

* Change of employment, change of service, site, etc.

Note: Motivation is often linked to the quality of management. In many cases, a good leader counts more than the interest of the post itself! So if you change jobs or positions, take time to get to know your future manager, and ask yourself if you will agree with him and appreciate his management style.