{"id":53243,"date":"2022-03-21T10:27:24","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T14:27:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/?p=53243"},"modified":"2023-06-03T06:12:04","modified_gmt":"2023-06-03T10:12:04","slug":"how-to-ask-for-interesting-challenging-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/how-to-ask-for-interesting-challenging-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Ask for Interesting &#038; Challenging Work"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Boredom at work is a pressing issue for employers. They\u2019re concerned about turnover, especially in the midst of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/great-resignation-ceo-challenge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Great Resignation<\/a>. But lack of interest in the work you\u2019re doing is also an issue for the employee. Don\u2019t settle for dissatisfaction, instead, be proactive and ask for interesting and challenging work. Here are some strategies that can help.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-minispacer\"><\/div>\n<p>Whether it\u2019s labeled boredom, languishing, disinterest, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/employee-burnout-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">burnout<\/a>, you know what it feels like to be underutilized at work. Perhaps:<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-minispacer\"><\/div>\n<ul>\n<li>You\u2019re not feeling challenged.<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019re not interested in what you\u2019re asked to do.<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019re not performing to your full potential.<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019re thinking of leaving for other opportunities.<\/li>\n<li>You\u2019re not bringing your best self to work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-53248\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/priscilla-du-preez-dOnEFhQ7ojs-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"interesting challenging work\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/priscilla-du-preez-dOnEFhQ7ojs-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/priscilla-du-preez-dOnEFhQ7ojs-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/priscilla-du-preez-dOnEFhQ7ojs-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/priscilla-du-preez-dOnEFhQ7ojs-unsplash-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/priscilla-du-preez-dOnEFhQ7ojs-unsplash-50x33.jpg 50w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/priscilla-du-preez-dOnEFhQ7ojs-unsplash.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p>In an analysis using <a href=\"https:\/\/nicmarks.org\/boredom-is-a-job-killer-and-why-we-need-an-interest-stimulus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">data from Robert Half<\/a>, researchers found that \u201cwhen people find their jobs uninteresting, they are rarely happy (only 9%).\u201d Yet even when people are \u201cvery stressed\u201d 38% still report they are \u201chappy at work\u201d when their work is engaging.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-minispacer\"><\/div>\n<p>So, stimulating work isn\u2019t just about the employer and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/employee-retention-strategies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">employee retention<\/a>,\u00a0it also has an impact on your day-to-day happiness. Using these strategies, you can proactively shape your job satisfaction and success.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2>Show initiative<\/h2>\n<p>Managers appreciate people willing to take risks and step up for more responsibilities. If you show initiative on one project, you\u2019re more likely to be included in that next new client pitch or put in a position that challenges you to try something different.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-minispacer\"><\/div>\n<p>If you see an opportunity that would provide you with more interesting work, ask for it. Set up a meeting with your supervisor and ask for that new challenge with a clear plan about how you would make that new aspect of the job work with what you already do.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2>Ask for variety<\/h2>\n<p>Sure, everyone likes to feel like they are doing their job well. However, you don\u2019t want to risk getting pigeonholed in a particular role. Ask for a variety of things to do. Even if you have to learn new skills to complete the new responsibilities. Mixing up what you do daily will help you to remain <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/category\/human-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">engaged<\/a> and can introduce you to new people and perspectives!<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-53251\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/jacqueline-brandwayn-fA_dsZkS87s-unsplash-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"interesting challenging work variety\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/jacqueline-brandwayn-fA_dsZkS87s-unsplash-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/jacqueline-brandwayn-fA_dsZkS87s-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/jacqueline-brandwayn-fA_dsZkS87s-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/jacqueline-brandwayn-fA_dsZkS87s-unsplash-50x38.jpg 50w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/jacqueline-brandwayn-fA_dsZkS87s-unsplash.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2>Stay optimistic<\/h2>\n<p>Keeping a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.workitdaily.com\/get-more-challenging-tasks-work\/2-keep-a-positive-attitude\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">positive attitude<\/a> about what work you are doing now will put you in a better position to ask for something new. If your fellow employees see you as a Debbie Downer, always complaining about the monotony of your current job, they\u2019re not going to invite you to be part of that new client pitch or innovate that industry-shifting product.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2>Talk about your interests<\/h2>\n<p>When you meet with supervisors or other managers, bring up your areas of interest. If you don\u2019t feel challenged in your current role, communicate how your interests can help meet company goals. Or cast it in terms of your professional development. Then, ask what changes might be made to help you reach those objectives.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2>Work with new groups of people<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/a-work-culture-that-works-the-diversity-advantage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Diversity<\/a> is likely to feed your need for new perspectives and challenging ideas. Additionally, interacting with new teams puts you in touch with individuals who have different roles and responsibilities. This can give you fresh options and areas to ask for challenges and a variety of different work.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2>Improve the work environment<\/h2>\n<p>If you can offer ideas to improve processes or the way you and your colleagues do your jobs, you\u2019ll be seen as someone who is creative and a critical thinker. That\u2019s going to impress the people in a position to give you more interesting work.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-minispacer\"><\/div>\n<p>See if you can get approval to implement the change you\u2019re suggesting. Being able to spearhead that initiative could be just the challenge you\u2019ve been seeking. If not, you\u2019ll at least be demonstrating your follow-through and commitment to bettering the business.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2>Enhance your skills<\/h2>\n<p>The act of learning new skills can be interesting and challenging. Beyond that, broadening your skillset can position you to do different things.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-minispacer\"><\/div>\n<p>In addition to evaluating where you might have professional gaps, look to see where the organization has some holes to be filled. You might be able to present yourself as a candidate to expand your organization\u2019s reach or industry offerings. This could open you up to professional development opportunities that help you to grow and inspire you in new ways.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-53250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/alex-kotliarskyi-QBpZGqEMsKg-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"interesting challenging work\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/alex-kotliarskyi-QBpZGqEMsKg-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/alex-kotliarskyi-QBpZGqEMsKg-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/alex-kotliarskyi-QBpZGqEMsKg-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/alex-kotliarskyi-QBpZGqEMsKg-unsplash-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/alex-kotliarskyi-QBpZGqEMsKg-unsplash-50x33.jpg 50w, https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/alex-kotliarskyi-QBpZGqEMsKg-unsplash.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"div-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2>Seek a change in scenery<\/h2>\n<p>Perhaps what you\u2019re feeling isn\u2019t so much boredom as loneliness if you\u2019ve been working virtually for months. Or maybe you\u2019ve been going to the same desk at the same office for decades now. You need to bust up that routine to get a fresh perspective.<\/p>\n<div class=\"div-minispacer\"><\/div>\n<p>Doing the same old in a new place will at least help you feel differently about doing it. That is until you implement the other strategies in this article and make work exciting all over again.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Boredom at work is a pressing issue for employers. They\u2019re concerned about turnover, especially in the midst of The Great Resignation. But lack of interest in the work you\u2019re doing is also an issue for the employee. Don\u2019t settle for dissatisfaction, instead, be proactive and ask for interesting and challenging work. Here are some strategies that can help. Whether it\u2019s labeled boredom, languishing, disinterest, or burnout, you know what it feels like to be underutilized at work. Perhaps: You\u2019re not feeling challenged. You\u2019re not interested in what you\u2019re asked to do. You\u2019re not performing to your full potential. You\u2019re thinking of leaving for other opportunities. You\u2019re not bringing your best self to work. In an analysis using data from Robert Half, researchers found that \u201cwhen people find their jobs uninteresting, they are rarely happy (only 9%).\u201d Yet even when people are \u201cvery stressed\u201d 38% still report they are \u201chappy at work\u201d when their work is engaging. So, stimulating work isn\u2019t just about the employer and employee retention,\u00a0it also has an impact on your day-to-day happiness. Using these strategies, you can proactively shape your job satisfaction and success. Show initiative Managers appreciate people willing to take risks and step up for more responsibilities. If you show initiative on one project, you\u2019re more likely to be included in that next new client pitch or put in a position that challenges you to try something different. If you see an opportunity that would provide you with more interesting work, ask for it. Set [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":5042,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[608,383,480,164,241,168],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.7.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Ask for Interesting &amp; Challenging Work - Sogolytics Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Boredom at work can be a major cause of employee turnover, especially during The Great Resignation. What can you do to keep things interesting?\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sogolytics.com\/blog\/how-to-ask-for-interesting-challenging-work\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Ask for Interesting &amp; Challenging Work - Sogolytics Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Boredom at work can be a major cause of employee turnover, especially during The Great Resignation. 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