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Ayan has been feeling distracted at work. He is unable to pay attention in brainstorming sessions, meet his deadlines or be productive. He can’t quite put a finger on what’s been bothering him but he is certain that he feels dissatisfied.
We have all been in Ayan’s shoes at some point or another. If not, we’ve at least heard of individuals who aren’t happy at work. It isn’t uncommon for individuals to lose interest in their roles, which is why organizations prioritize employee engagement and job satisfaction. But there is another way in which employees can actively take steps towards feeling reenergized about their work. It’s called job crafting!
What Is Job Crafting?
Every employee looks for a meaningful and healthy workplace that not only brings out the best in them but also supports and encourages them. A positive work environment helps make people feel productive and it even leads to improved performance. Employees with low motivation and morale can affect both organizational culture and profitability.
In 2001, researchers Amy Wrzesniewski and Jane E. Dutton coined the term ‘job crafting’. They defined job crafting as actions that employees take to shape, mold and redefine their jobs. In other words, it refers to the proactive steps and actions taken by members of an organization to redesign their work and change task relationships and perceptions about their jobs.
Here are some examples of job crafting that’ll help you understand the concept better.
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Shraddha joined a new team at work. She has always been an enthusiastic team player. She decided to get to know her teammates better by getting lunch with them and learning something new about them.
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Of late, Haneef has been feeling demotivated in his role. At the start of each day, he spends 30 minutes reading up about the industry, the prevalent trends and the future potential.
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Sara felt that she wasn’t able to give her best at work. She signed up for an online course to help her pick up new knowledge and skills; it helped her feel more confident in her role.
Types Of Job Crafting
Job crafting has proved an effective tool for putting employees in the driver’s seat. It helps create meaning, interest and satisfaction. Changing up your job can take various forms
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Task Crafting
Also referred to as changing responsibilities, task crafting is the most popular approach. You change aspects of how you want to undertake responsibilities, including designing, adding and removing tasks.
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Relationship Crafting
It refers to changing interactions—the type and nature. It involves altering how you interact or engage with coworkers while fulfilling your duties. It helps change who we work with, who we communicate with and who we engage with on a regular basis.
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Cognitive Crafting
It simply means a change in your mindset. Changing the way you perceive tasks and relationships can make a huge difference. It can help find purpose and meaning in your job, help you rediscover yourself in a new light.
How To Practice Job Crafting Successfully
Job crafting may seem like a simple approach but it has the potential to increase your control over your job satisfaction. Here are some effective ways to start crafting your job today.
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Decide What You Want To Change
There are three key areas in which you can make changes so that it’s closer to your ideal job.
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Task Content:
Use your available knowledge and resources of the industry to change your working methods, especially if it helps you generate better results
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Relationships:
Look for healthier and mutually beneficial relationships that help you grow and feel more connected and confident
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Purpose:
Redefine the impact you’d like to create with your work—identify the ways you can change your existing methods and interactions; find out what makes you happy
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Evaluate The Potential Impact
Gauge how the changes in your responsibilities will affect you, those around you and your working environment. Take into account your relationships with coworkers, customers, clients and the organization as a whole. Effective job crafting is rooted in win-win situations.
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Check On Your Process
The ultimate step is to put your method into practice and check if it actually works and gives you what you want. Make sure that everyone around you is on the same page and isn’t negatively affected by the changes. Track your progress and make adjustments if necessary.
It’s clear that there’s more to the workplace than fulfilling targets. People want to feel good about their roles, their impact and most of all—themselves. Harappa’s Practicing Excellence course will help you continuously improve your performance, delivering beyond everyone’s expectations. The Four Selfs of Excellence framework will help you present your best self at work. The 1% Rule framework will guide you in making small but significant improvements. Find meaning and joy in your work!
Explore topics such as What is Time Management, The Importance of Time Management, What is the Pomodoro Technique & Understanding the Eisenhower Matrix from Harappa Education and develop effective ways to improve your performance at work.
