We recently asked participants in the MUS Wellness Incentive Program to share on the Limeade Feed what energizes them at work, using the hashtag #energized. We wanted to know what gives our MUS employees a sense of purpose and commitment at work. Thanks to all who posted their thoughtful responses!
We identified 5 big themes in the responses, plus a few honorable mentions, and wanted to share with you all some great examples of what makes people excited to work here at MUS. Motivation and energy for work often come in waves. Days that you finish a project or help solve a problem, it’s easy to feel happy about work. But other days, perhaps you don’t see any progress, maybe you have poor interactions with colleagues or students. If that’s you right now, we share these quotes with the hope that some will resonate and remind you of why you do what you do!
- Working with students. For those of you who work directly with students, it’s clear that seeing students succeed is highly motivating.
“I am #energized when I see the students accomplish things they didn’t think possible.”
“#Energized by building relationships with students and seeing them make progress in their goals.”
2. Great colleagues. As one person put it, “having excellent colleagues makes all the difference in how I feel about coming to work.”
“I enjoy the people that I work with. We all have the same goal…helping the students. And are willing to lend a hand to other departments if needed. We keep a sense of humor during those crazy times and it gets us through. We care for each other not only as co-workers but as people.”
“My coworkers and management are what keep me #energized. Everyone is upbeat and positive. We all work together to solve problems and pitch in when someone needs help.”
3. Team work. Related to (#2 Great colleagues), working together for a common purpose is always nice.
“#Energized when the lab all works together to complete a project or solve a problem!”
“Coordinating and collaborating with multiple teams, to meet common goals.”
4. Learning new things – Working in higher education presents constant learning opportunities, which many of you find to be the best part about your job.
“I’m lucky because I get to see information about the amazing science our researchers are doing. Even though my job is all paperwork and compliance related, it still thrills me to see the cool, fascinating, interesting and beneficial work that our researchers do.”
“I get energized by new ideas and stimulating intellectual conversations with colleagues.”
5. Accomplishing tasks. Nothing feels better at work than being productive and seeing check marks in those To-Do list boxes!
“I am #energized by checking things off my to do list, especially when it’s a large project that I have been working on for a long time.”
“There are new challenges every day, but I feel really #energized when I am able to make progress on a project that I can actually see and feel!”
Honorable mentions:
We asked this question in Februrary/March, the time of year that winter can drag on in Montana. Not surprisingly, many of you mentioned feeling energized by the end of winter and arrival of spring. Although much of the state woke up to a blanket of snow on Monday, the sun is finally out today, at least in Bozeman. Hopefully this translates into feeling extra energized!
Some of you also said that you get a boost of energy from decluttering. If you’re feeling stuck, take your next break at work to clear some space from your desk or clean up a corner of your office.
Finally, several responses included something about how receiving positive feedback is motivating. We all like to be recognized for the work that we do. Help your coworkers feel energized at work and create a healthier, happier work environment by providing kind, thoughtful feedback and a pat on the back for your colleagues who deserve it!
Thanks for keeping us #energized too! —Cristin
Montana Moves 