A fulfilling job is one where you’re captivated with your work. It allows you to apply your talents, interests and values, yet at the same time meets your financial needs. Such a job also makes you feel like the output of your work is making a positive impact on the company and the people you work with. Bonita Eliza, a business manager in a local branding firm explains that a fulfilling job should be able to meet one’s needs, beyond food, shelter, and clothing. The job should pay a salary that enables you to have financial security. For her, when the job pays well, there is a higher possibility to save and plan for emergencies and retirement. “Satisfying jobs are those where workers relate with their co-workers and management comfortably and can make inquiries on anything and collaborate easily. Respectful co-workers treat others with courtesy, politeness, and kindness; encourage each other to express opinions and ideas. “They also listen to what others have to say before expressing their viewpoint and use peoples’ ideas to change or improve work,” she says. Eliza stresses that a healthy workplace culture is also necessary, as employees feel empowered if they have access to data and information that allows them to carry on the tasks effectively. In such an environment, workers support each other to improve or grow the company instead of competing unnecessarily. Workers are also catered for in terms of their health, fun, and vacations, for instance, the staff can have a membership fee to a gym, trips, and probably small packages of appreciation occasionally, she adds. The business manager carries on that with fulfilling jobs, employees ought to be appreciated and recognised for their efforts towards supporting the progress of the company and hard work. Showing employees that you appreciate them can improve their engagement, retention, productivity, and morale. Other ways to recognise your team includes awards, gratitude programs, gifts and some time off. Experts say that fulfilling jobs build upon the abilities and talents you gained from your education and in previous roles. They offer opportunities for you to continue advancing your skills through progressively more challenging assignments and to find productive use for your unique insights. Individuals experience greater fulfilment when they watch their investments in professional development become valuable assets to a company that also earns them greater compensation. For Brian Mugisha, a sales and marketing expert, employees should be entitled to a work-life balance, so as they feel a sense of control and ownership over their own lives. He says balanced employees tend to feel more motivated and less stressed out at work, which thereby increases company productivity and reduces the number of conflicts among co-workers and management. Studies have shown that employees who have a positive work-life balance do a better at work, hence promoting this balance is advantageous to individuals and the company. According to Mugisha, in order for employees to have satisfying jobs, they should have mentors. A mentor could be a manager, a colleague, or even someone who works in the same field as long as they assist you to keep on track and grow.
