Finding motivation, passion and energy in our work | Deirdre O'Shea | TEDxUniversityofLimerick

Summary

The speaker, an organizational psychologist, explores the impact of work on health, noting a significant percentage of workers report negative health effects due to job stress. However, the talk pivots to emphasize the positive aspects of work, such as providing meaning and purpose. The key lies in the type of motivation at work—encouraging autonomous motivation through enjoyment and meaningful tasks, while reducing controlled motivation and obsessive passion, which can lead to stress and decreased performance. Strategies like reflecting on positive work events and savoring nature are suggested to enhance well-being and energy, ultimately creating a positive work-life balance.

Takeaways

• 📊 Work can significantly impact health, with 15-41% of workers reporting negative health effects from their jobs, according to the European working condition survey.
• 📈 Stress levels at work have been increasing, with a rise from 8% in 2010 to 18-19% in recent years among the EU workforce, and 35% of working Americans experiencing chronic stress.
• 🌟 The speaker advocates for recognizing the positive aspects of work, focusing on the type of motivation that drives us, rather than the amount.
• 🔑 Work provides a sense of meaning and purpose, offering a reason to get up in the morning and contributing to our overall life satisfaction.
• 👶 Childhood memories of play and creativity can serve as a reminder of the intrinsic motivation and joy that can be harnessed in the workplace.
• 🌱 The concept of 'autonomous motivation' is introduced, which includes enjoyment, interest, and the alignment of work with personal values and goals.
• 🏆 Engaging in work that allows for the expression of values and achievement of important life goals can be highly motivating and beneficial for well-being.
• 🚫 The speaker contrasts 'controlled motivation' with autonomous motivation, highlighting the negative impacts of guilt, pressure, and deadlines on work satisfaction.
• 🔄 Both types of motivation can be experienced simultaneously, but the goal should be to increase autonomous motivation while decreasing controlled motivation for better well-being and performance.
• 🌱 Two strategies for enhancing work experience are highlighted: reflecting on positive and meaningful work events, and savoring nature as a form of mental respite.
• 🌅 The talk concludes on a positive note, emphasizing the importance of finding enjoyment, meaning, and impact in work to counterbalance the negative aspects and improve overall well-being.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker's discussion?

The speaker focuses on the impact of work on our health, particularly the role of motivation and passion in our jobs and how they can be beneficial or detrimental to our well-being.

What percentage of workers reported that work negatively impacts their health according to the European working condition survey?

Anywhere from 15 to 41 percent of workers reported that work negatively impacts their health.

What is the speaker's concern regarding the reputation of work?

The speaker is concerned that work is getting a bad reputation due to its association with stress and negative health impacts, and wants to highlight the positive aspects of work as well.

What is the speaker's profession?

The speaker is an organizational psychologist.

What is the importance of having a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives according to the speaker?

Having a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives is extremely important as it gives us a reason to get up in the morning and contributes to our overall well-being.

What is the term used for a positive form of motivation that includes enjoyment and interest in one's job?

The term used is 'autonomous motivation'.

How did the speaker describe the difference between the motivation experienced as a child and as an adult?

The speaker described the motivation experienced as a child as more natural and intrinsic, driven by enjoyment and interest, whereas adult motivation can sometimes become extrinsic and pressured, especially when tied to work responsibilities.

What is the term for the type of passion that makes us feel we can't stop checking our emails or being constantly connected to work?

This type of passion is referred to as 'obsessive passion'.

What is the impact of having high levels of both autonomous and controlled motivation on a person's well-being and work performance?

High levels of both autonomous and controlled motivation can lead to increased stress and decreased performance, creating a vicious cycle of pressure and strain.

What are two strategies the speaker suggests to enhance enjoyment and meaning in work?

The two strategies suggested are: 1) Reflecting on a positive and meaningful work event daily, and 2) Engaging in savoring nature activities to provide a restorative break from work.

What was the effect of the savoring nature activity on participants' energy levels and fatigue?

The savoring nature activity increased participants' evening vigor and decreased their levels of evening fatigue over the course of 10 working days.

How does the speaker conclude the talk on work and health?

The speaker concludes on a positive note, emphasizing that work can have a positive impact on health when it involves enjoyment, meaning, and impact, and encourages finding the 'rainbow amongst the rainbows'.