What Is Self-Worth?
A common question, which people ask when they meet for the first time, is: What do you do for work? Our jobs are a big part of our identity, so it is no surprise that having a sense of self-worth in the workplace is crucial to overall job satisfaction (Kraus & Orth, 2021). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021), people spend 7.6 hours each day at work, which over a career span can really add up. It’s important for individuals to feel a sense of self-worth at their place of employment, because so much of our time and energy is spent there. Individuals who truly feel valued in the workplace can be more motivated to do well on the job and have a stronger sense of personal accomplishment.
Self-worth can be described as a positive or negative belief about yourself that comes from within (Miller Smedema, Catalano & Ebener, 2010). Leite and Kuiper (2010) stated that “negative self-worth beliefs increase an individual’s sensitivity to failure” (p. 229). People with negative self-worth beliefs may find themselves struggling at work in some way or another. For example, one person may have low levels of productivity at work, while another person may have strained relationships with coworkers, colleagues, or managers.
Struggling With Self-Worth
If you find yourself struggling with your self-worth at work, just know that it is common to have times when you feel like you are not at your best. Maybe you did not get the promotion you wanted, or you are on a team with some poor team-players. Things like this are never easy to deal with! Most importantly, what you may perceive as a failure can be an opportunity for growth.
Take the time to process your feelings by talking with a trusted co-worker, family member, friend, or counselor. Many employers recognize the importance of offering employee assistance programs (Zelis & Borden, 2021). It’s important to seek out support when you need it, so that you can get back to feeling like a valued employee.
7 Ways To Increase Your Self-Worth
The following are some strategies that you can use to help find that inner feeling of self-worth in the workplace:
Define Your Strengths And Areas For Improvement: We all have things we are good at, and things we can improve upon. Take the time to identify where you really see your strengths at work, and where you could use some coaching or mentoring. Remember, there are people at your workplace who have been the new person on the job or have had a tough project where they need to seek consultation. We cannot be the experts at everything, so defining your strengths will allow you to focus your energy on projects and tasks in which you will feel valued and confident. Defining areas for improvement allows you to set goals and define strategies to reach them.
Set Both Short- And Long-Term Goals: Having both short- and long-term goals allows you to keep track of your progress along your career path. By setting measurable goals, you can feel a sense of accomplishment in the short term (daily, weekly, monthly), and keep track of your steps along the way to the bigger-picture goals, like a big promotion!
Positive Affirmations: Get that self-talk on track! Be sure to internally praise your own good work and accomplishments. You can keep special notes or your favorite motivational quotes for reference at your workstation, in order to help keep your mindset on track. Treat yourself to a fun activity or a special dinner when you reach your goals. Celebrate!
4. Build relationships: We spend a lot of time with our coworkers, so building relationships is very important. Find your inner circle: Identify the people you can lean on, and be there for one another. Be supportive, and accept help from your trusted team. Making these connections can foster a sense of community in the workplace. All of this helps to make you feel valued, and also worthy of support when you need it too!
Be Open to Feedback: It is important to keep the lines of communication open with your team, supervisors, and managers. This allows for constructive feedback, so that you can adjust your goals and strategies along the way. If you are not sure that you understand what is expected of you, be sure to ask! Accept constructive feedback, and make necessary changes. There is always someone who has more experience. Be willing to listen and learn, so that you can grow.
Ask For What You Want: Speak your truth. Do you want to be considered for that next special project, or a promotional opportunity? Do not be afraid to express your desire to improve! You are your best self-advocate. Pull together that list of goals you have achieved, and show you are ready to take on more challenges!
Have a Work/Life Balance: Self-worth in the workplace is best supported by a healthy work/life balance. Because we spend so much time at work, it can be easy to fall into the habit of only focusing our time and energy there. Don’t forget to focus on YOU outside of work. Find joy in activities of interest, exercise, reading, family, friends, and vacations. Use your vacation days! When you have a healthy work/life balance, it can help you to find your self-worth and value in both!
Scholarly Sources
Krauss, S., & Orth, U. (2021). Work experiences and self-esteem development: A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. European Journal of Personality, 089020702110271. https://doi.org/10.1177/08902070211027142
Leite, C., & Kuiper, N. A. (2010). Positive and negative self-worth beliefs and evaluative standards. Revista De Psihologie, 56, 219-230.
Miller Smedema, S., Catalano, D., & Ebener, D. J. (2010). The relationship of coping, self-worth, and subjective well-being: A structural equation model. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin, 53(3), 131-142.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, July 22). American time use survey — May to December 2019 and 2020 results. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/atus.pdf
Zelis, C., & Borden, E. (2021, July 28). The growing importance of EAPS as Americans head back to the Office. BenefitsPRO. https://www.benefitspro.com/2021/07/28/the-growing-importance-of-eaps-as-americans-head-back-to-the-office/?slreturn=20220119112453
