One evening when Thomas Edison came home from work, his wife said to him, “You’ve worked long enough without a rest. You must go on a vacation.”
“But where on earth would I go?” asked Edison.
“Just decide where you would rather be than anywhere else on earth,” suggested his wife.
Edison hesitated and said, “Very well, I’ll go tomorrow.”
The next morning, he was back at work in his laboratory.
Work is incredibly important to me because it provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s not just about the tasks or projects, but about the impact and value that work brings to others and to me. When work is meaningful and aligns with one’s values, it becomes a source of motivation and satisfaction.
I have a saying for Edison, myself and many other people: TGIM – Thank God It’s Monday. I can’t wait to get back to work on Monday. When you find joy in your work, it becomes more than a job; it becomes a calling.
TGIM is a philosophy that encourages a positive and enthusiastic approach to the start of the workweek. It’s about fostering a work environment where employees are excited to return to work after the weekend, rather than dreading it. This mindset is rooted in the belief that work should be engaging, fulfilling and even fun.
Implementing TGIM or Thank God It’s Monday in the workplace involves creating a culture and environment that employees are eager to be a part of. A workplace that values its people and purpose transforms Mondays from a day of dread to a day of opportunity.
Here are some strategies to achieve this:
Foster a positive work environment. Encourage open communication and transparency between management and employees. Recognize and celebrate achievements regularly, whether big or small. Create a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and respected.
Promote work-life balance. Offer flexible working hours or remote work options where possible. Encourage employees to take breaks and use their vacation time to recharge. Provide resources for stress management and mental health support.
Align work with purpose. Help employees understand how their roles contribute to the company’s mission and goals. Encourage employees to set personal and professional development goals. Provide opportunities for employees to work on projects that align with their interests and strengths.
Encourage continuous learning. Offer training programs, workshops and seminars to help employees grow their skills. Support employees in pursuing further education or certifications. Create a mentorship program to foster knowledge-sharing and growth.
Incorporate fun and humor. Organize team-building activities and social events to strengthen relationships. Create a fun and relaxed atmosphere with themed days or casual dress dates. Encourage a culture of humor where appropriate, to lighten the mood and boost morale. For example, we have an ice cream truck come to our company twice each summer.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a workplace where employees are eager to start their week, leading to increased engagement, productivity and overall job satisfaction.
In a bustling city, there was a traffic cop named Tim. He was famous for his enthusiastic dance moves while directing traffic. Rain or shine, he would twirl, spin and moonwalk his way through the busiest intersections, much to the delight of passersby.
One day, a curious reporter stopped by to interview Tim on why he danced while directing traffic?
Tim grinned and replied, “Well, I figured if I must stand here all day, I might as well have some fun! Plus, it keeps me warm in the winter and cool in the summer.”
His infectious energy not only made his job more enjoyable but also brought smiles to the faces of drivers and pedestrians alike. Tim’s love for his work was so contagious that even the grumpiest commuters couldn’t help but tap their steering wheels to the beat.
The city eventually recognized Tim’s unique contribution by naming him the “Dancing Cop,” and he became a local legend. His story reminded everyone that when you infuse passion and joy into your work, it can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
When you enjoy your job, it shines through in everything you do, turning even the most mundane tasks into memorable experiences.
As one of my favorite authors Dale Carnegie said, “Throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours.”
Mackay’s Moral: When you love what you do, Mondays become a new opportunity, not a burden.