How to Get More Say in What You Do at Work

Okay, did no one think to ask?

For the third time this week, your workflow has been completely redirected without any input from you. Although you have some innovative ideas about how to improve the process, you haven't been given the opportunity to share them.

Sure, the work still gets done, but you can't help wondering if there might be a better way.

Do you often feel like you have little choice in deciding what you do at work?

This feeling of powerlessness over your daily tasks is generally recognised workplace issue known as low job control.

Having a say in how you complete your work is more than just a 'nice-to-have' – it's an important aspect of workplace psychological safety that affects both your wellbeing and job performance.

Understanding Job Control

So, what is job control? Basically, it means having influence over your work environment and being able to make decisions about how your work gets done.

This includes having input into your tasks, work methods, pace, and environment.

When you have good job control, you're not just following orders – you're actively participating in shaping how your work gets accomplished. It feels like you're part of the team.

However, when job control is lacking, it can have serious impacts on both you and your work.

Why It Matters

Here's why feeling like you have no choice in your work tasks needs attention:

• It can lead to decreased motivation and job satisfaction, as you feel more like a cog in a machine than a valued contributor
• It often results in missed opportunities for process improvements, since those doing the work often have the best insights into how it could be done better
• It can contribute to workplace stress and burnout, as feeling powerless at work is mentally and emotionally draining

Luckily, it doesn't have to be this way. You can take active steps to improve your sense of control at work.

1. Share Ideas

Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your ideas for process improvements, focusing on how they could benefit the team or organisation.

2. Start Small

Begin by identifying areas where you can make decisions within your current role, even if they seem minor at first.

3. Document Those Wins

Keep track of your successful work outcomes and use them as evidence when requesting more autonomy in how you complete your tasks.

Taking Control of Your Work Life

Having input into your work isn't about taking control away from anyone else – it's about contributing your valuable perspective to make the work better for everyone. While you might not have complete freedom in what you do, you can take baby steps to increase your influence over how you work. Start by identifying one small area where you could have more input, and work from there.

By checking in with how you feel about your job control each day using MOOD.ai, you can track patterns and take proactive steps before those feelings of powerlessness and frustration build up.

Your experience and ideas matter.

When you find ways to contribute them, you can make your work more engaging and effective – for you, and your organisation.