The Benefits Of Changing Your Working Routine

Many people complain of monotonous working days where they find themselves performing the same tasks in the same way, at the same time, with the same colleagues, in the same environment, on the same days! Hopefully this is not you but if it is you then you will have undoubtedly experienced decreased motivation in your job, generalised disillusionment, a noticeable dip in productivity and you may even be experiencing the unpleasant and stressful signs and symptoms of burnout.

Introducing changes to your daily working routine can offer numerous benefits which can enhance both your professional and your working life.

Changes can act as a powerful catalyst for creativity and innovation. When you change your regular schedule or decide to approach tasks in a different way, you are introducing new stimuli for your brain which can initiate fresh ideas and new perspectives that in a monotonous environment would not be noticed or thought of. Even simple changes such as starting work at a new time or swapping tasks with a colleague can provide new insights and solutions.

Breaking away from strict routines can actually improve productivity whereas the same routine each day can cause complacency which then leads to inefficiency. So by varying tasks and responsibilities, you can keep your mind engaged and focused upon your job. Even the smallest of changes can make your working day feel less repetitive and more manageable.

Employee wellbeing is essential for sustained productivity and for job satisfaction. A rigid and even boring routine can quickly become negative whereas introducing flexibility can enhance a positive mindset which is great for mental health. Flexible working hours or incorporating a number of increased short breaks can help employees feel more energised and to maintain energy. Additionally, the workday becomes less predictable which boosts morale.

Deciding to try new responsibilities or to learn new skills for increased professional development can prevent the feelings of stagnation as well as helping you stay on top of your profession. Not only does it help make your job far more interesting but also prepares you for future career advancements.

When a team or department falls into repetitive patterns, collaboration can suffer as a result so introducing changes to the team’s routine can enhance communication and cooperation among colleagues. Changes can encourage team members to share diverse perspectives and ideas.

Some may argue that structure brings stability which is true to some extent but it must be recognised that the benefits of ‘shaking it up’ a bit can be far reaching! By being open to change and willing to experiment with several different approaches before getting it right, you can create a more dynamic, enriched and fulfilling working environment.