The concept of self-esteem carries within itself a vast range of unanswered questions. One of those questions is whether self-esteem development is possible in the workplace when all that is known is that self-esteem and self-confidence come from within, just like inspiration. While a person can be motivated to do a certain thing, the person has to feel inspired to do that certain thing. This is somewhat similar to an old saying that God helps those who help themselves. It is to say, how is self-esteem development possible if it does not come from within the core of the one concerned?
Not going deep, self-esteem in the workplace is a critical factor in the context of happiness and overall well-being. Until an individual feels confident at work, his business-oriented mind might not yield the expected results, hence it is the responsibility of the organization to take appropriate measures to address the situation. Conversely, it takes effort from the side of the individual too to make the best of the help and resources available.
Explaining the Concept of Self-Esteem
In a broad sense, the concept of self-esteem in the workplace integrates the aspects of self-perception, self-confidence, and self-respect. Self-perception is how positively or negatively the employee sees himself/herself; self-confidence is how confident at work and his/her decision-making the employee is; and self-respect is how resilient and dignified the employee is when things do not go as planned. All these aspects come together to form the concept of self-esteem in the workplace for a business-oriented mind.
Understanding the Importance of Self-Esteem
To build self-esteem is to improve job satisfaction, increase productivity, and nurture teamwork skills. This all makes for an organizational culture that is positive and thriving. Self-esteem and self-confidence in the workplace go a long way when employees experience constant positivity and a sense of self-worth. On the other hand, in an organizational culture that does not prioritize the overall well-being of employees, sooner or later the rot starts to set in and erode the very
foundation of the organizational culture.
Nurturing Self-Esteem in the Workplace
There are varied ways to nurture self-esteem and self-confidence in the workplace, some of which go as follows:
- Regular feedback, preferably positive and constructive, helps to boost the self-perception of employees. They feel appreciated and ready to discover new avenues for growth, ultimately benefiting their own mental well-being as well as the organization.
- Self-esteem in the workplace stems from programs and initiatives that make the employees feel competent and confident in their abilities. Also, the
opportunities to learn from mistakes can mean a great deal to individuals in their professional as well as personal lives.
- Allowing a healthy work-life balance also contributes to nurturing self-esteem in employees. Adapting the work arrangements could stimulate their job satisfaction and, in turn, increase their productivity, lifting up their self-esteem in due course.
There are other ways to develop self-esteem in employees; for instance, appreciating and rewarding them for their contributions on a regular basis. However, efforts on the part of the organization can only act as motivating factors until the employees themselves are willing to do their part in the story and seek inspiration. Motivation and inspiration go hand in hand, and in the context of self-esteem and self-confidence, very much so.
