Safety and confidence go hand-in-hand at work. When you feel safe, you will feel more confident, and you’ll be more likely to enjoy your workplace. (Image Credit: Arlington Research/Pixabay)
It’s true that there is a lot at work you can’t control. There are many things that your bosses and supervisors have to do to ensure everyone feels safe, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely helpless! There are a lot of things you can do to feel safer and more confident when you go to work.
Wear Clothing That Makes You Feel Good
You may have a dress code to follow. If you do, it’s important to follow it, but there should still be plenty of flexibility that enables you to wear clothing that makes you feel good. That might mean wearing a color that makes you feel powerful or switching out your pants for pencil skirts.
Unfortunately, wearing what makes you feel comfortable isn’t always easy. In California alone, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing documented 4,822 sexual harassment claims in 2015. With a history of blaming women for what they’re wearing, it’s important to know that it’s never your fault, no matter what you choose to wear. If you’re struggling with harassment at work, some of the other tips on this list can help.
Take on Projects That Utilize Your Strengths
Having a hard time feeling good about the projects you’re working on? Putting in extra time and giving the project extra attention can work in a pinch, but instead, you should focus on uncovering your strengths and choosing projects that play to those strengths.
Choosing projects that utilize your natural strengths will boost your confidence, as you’ll feel more fulfilled when the project is complete. By using your strengths, you’ll find the project is less frustrating, which means you will be able to do more with less time.
Don’t have a lot of control over the projects you work on? Consider looking for ways to take on a little more responsibility at work. Extra projects may take a little more time, but they are a great way to showcase your talents in the office.
Expand Your Skillset
Things are changing all the time. You may feel confident in your skillset one day, only to feel less confident the next when technology changes so quickly.
If you’re struggling to keep up, or if you just want an edge that will make you feel more confident in a new position, look for ways to expand your skillset.
That might include going back to school and attending traditional classes, but it doesn’t have to. You can find quick and easy courses online that will help you learn specific skills, or you can simply use your spare time to watch videos on YouTube. If you already have a job, you don’t have to obtain a new degree in order to prove your worth. Simply learning new skills and demonstrating them in the office is enough.
Make Friends at Work
It may seem trivial, but making friends at work is important because:
- Having a friend can make the long hours you spend at work more enjoyable.
- You’ll have a built-in support system to deal with challenges.
- It will decrease loneliness and provide you with a sense of belonging.
- You will feel safer knowing there are people in the office who have your back.
They can also provide you with an ear when you’re struggling at work. Whether it’s a coworker who makes you feel uncomfortable or a deadline you’re afraid you won’t be able to meet, just talking to someone about your problems can help you feel better about the challenges you’re facing.
Find a Mentor
Friends can provide you with informal relationships in the office, but having a formal relationship with a mentor can greatly impact the way you approach work and the way you feel about your workplace.
Finding a mentor can help you by:
- Keeping you motivated during hard times
- Providing you with professional advice
- Encouraging you to challenge yourself
- Praising your accomplishments
They can also be a sounding board when you’re dealing with problems in the workplace. Whether it’s unfair demands from a supervisor or an inappropriate coworker, they can help you determine what steps to take next.
Your safety and confidence isn’t dependent on workplace policies and your supervisor. You have control over your own safety and confidence too! With the tips on this list, you can start looking forward to coming to work little by little because it’s a place where you feel comfortable and confident.