We all want to feel valued and appreciated in our professional lives. When we feel that we matter, we are more motivated to excel and to be engaged in our work.
Unfortunately, many of us don’t experience this feeling in the workplace. We often feel let down probably because of certain things that we do or don’t do.
According to this research by MITSloan, data revealed that people leave their jobs not because of poor salaries or benefits, but mainly because of a lack of respect and indignity from the management.
To show that this is more serious than we imagine, the US Surgeon General regarded mattering at work as a mental health priority.
Fortunately, it is possible to create an environment of mattering at work.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the various ways you can foster a culture of mattering in the workplace: how to create mattering at work.
What Is Mattering?
Mattering is the feeling of being noticed, respected, and valued in a work environment. It is the feeling of having an impact on the organization or team and knowing that your opinions and contributions are taken into consideration and appreciated.
It is the sense of being seen, heard, and understood by those around you. Mattering is an essential part of any successful workplace. Without it, employees can become disengaged and productivity can suffer.
Mattering is also important for job satisfaction, as it can be a source of motivation and fulfillment. When people feel like they matter, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. Mattering is essential to creating a positive work environment, one that fosters collaboration, productivity, and innovation.
The Importance of Feeling Like You Matter
Feeling like you matter is an important part of feeling content, secure and engaged in the workplace. When we feel like our presence, contribution and ideas are valued by our coworkers, employers and peers, we feel more connected to our team and can experience a sense of purpose and belonging. Unfortunately, when we don’t feel like we matter, it can lead to a decrease in job satisfaction, decreased performance, and a lack of motivation.
Feeling like you matter is also related to positive psychological well-being. Studies have found that people who feel that their work is appreciated and meaningful are more likely to have higher levels of self-esteem and satisfaction. They are also more likely to be engaged in their work and demonstrate increased job performance.
Also, feeling like you matter is an important factor in fostering a sense of connection with coworkers, which is essential for developing trust and collaborative relationships.
Ultimately, when we feel like we matter at work, we feel more secure in our roles, and in turn, can use that sense of security to take on new challenges and grow professionally. For these reasons, it’s essential for employers and managers to cultivate an environment in which employees feel like they matter.
Ways to Create Mattering at Work
The following are the different ways to create mattering at work. With this, you shouldn’t be at work without being noticed, without your effort being recognized.
Respect your Colleagues
One of the most important ways to create mattering at work is to show respect to your colleagues. Respect can be shown in many ways, such as offering help when needed, expressing appreciation for a job well done, and listening to their opinions and ideas.
Give Feedback
Feedback is an important tool to help people know that their work is valued and appreciated. Regularly provide constructive and positive feedback to help motivate and encourage your colleagues.
Encourage Collaboration
Working together with others can help make work more enjoyable and meaningful. Encouraging collaboration among colleagues can foster a sense of belonging and mattering.
Celebrate Success
Celebrate individual successes or group accomplishments to recognize the hard work that has been put into a project or task. It will not only increase morale, but will also make your colleagues feel like their efforts are appreciated and valued.
Ask for Input
Ask for your colleagues’ input on various tasks or projects to make them feel included and appreciated. Giving them the chance to contribute to the team shows that you value their opinion and skillset.
Show Appreciation
Take the time to thank each person individually for their contribution to the team or organization. Expressing genuine appreciation can go a long way towards creating a sense of mattering at work.
The Benefits of Creating Mattering at Work
Creating a sense of mattering in the workplace is invaluable, as it can have a significant impact on employee morale and productivity. When employees feel like they are important, valued, and respected, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to do their best work. This leads to increased job satisfaction, higher performance levels, and greater loyalty from employees.
Also, creating an environment of mattering at work promotes collaboration and team building, allowing for better communication and mutual understanding between colleagues. Again, when employees feel like their work matters, they are more likely to stay with their current employers for a longer period of time, reducing costs associated with employee turnover. Actually, creating a sense of mattering at work is beneficial for both the employer and employees, as it can create a positive and productive workplace environment.
On the Last Line
To matter at work has been a serious subject among professionals over the years. For many people, it’s been a situation that has not only shattered their work life and productivity, but has also destroyed their marital life and mental health. But the good news is, if you can follow the steps explained above, mattering at work place would be an easy task for you.
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