85% Go Above And Beyond At Work: 5 Ways You Can Too

Amidst all the bad news about the economy, layoffs, quiet quitting and controversy about hybrid work, there are some glimmers of hope (and surprise!). A lot of people are finding their work meaningful and satisfying. And it’s possible to learn from their experiences and create meaning and motivation for yourself as well.

One of the benefits of the last few years is a greater focus on work—why people work and the conditions which make work best for people. This global dialogue is helpful as people reflect on their priorities and employers increase the focus on worker wellbeing, developing leaders and cultures which foster health as well as business results.

But the narrative has also been negative—suggesting work is all-bad and that doing as little as possible is a better alternative. Unfortunately, this storyline lacks the realization that work is an important part of life. People have an instinct to matter—and feel most fulfilled when they’re expressing their talents and contributing to community through their work.

And even when work isn’t perfect, it is still worthy of focus and attention to improve it. And creating the conditions for a great work experience is possible—especially based on a new study of what makes people go above and beyond.

Good News

Fully 87% of people believe their work is an important part of their life, according to a new study by LiveCareer. And 88% consider their work meaningful and like their job. In addition, 85% found their work satisfying and 88% agree work has its own value.

Of course, not everyone may love their work, but when some people do, it has a positive spillover effect on others. In fact, research has found when you’re working with others who are engaged and motivated, you’ll be more likely to have a positive work experience as well.

Going Above and Beyond

People are also going the extra mile at work. In fact, 85% of respondents said they work more than is officially necessary in their job. This can mean giving discretionary effort to identify and solve a problem or take initiative on a new project. It can mean checking work email or picking up a call after hours when team members are working on a tough challenge and need your input or expertise.

There’s a balance—you don’t want to work so much that you lose energy for other parts of life, but expending effort for coworkers and work you care about can be appropriate and rewarding.

So how can you go above and beyond? And what can you learn from the research about those who find meaning and motivation in what they do? There are 5 strategies to employ.

#1 – Embrace Duty

According to many of the study participants, the reasons they work are for money (38%) and family duties (31%). And among those who go above and beyond, 27% do it because of the money, and 10% because they need their job.

The requirement to put food on the table, keep a roof over your head and care for your family are legitimate reasons to work and work hard—so embrace these. All work is important to society and has dignity, but not all work experiences need to feel like idyllic walks through fields of flowers.

It’s natural to appreciate some of the aspect of your work and to dislike other parts—there is never a job without some things aren’t your favorite. But working provides an opportunity to provide for your community, to express your skills and to contribute to a team. It also provides a paycheck and it rewards effort—all of which are good for fulfillment and esteem.

Embrace the opportunity to work. Remind yourself of your capabilities and the ways your work contributes to a chain of value which ultimately helps your family and your community.

#2 - Embrace Status and Ambition

Often, ambition gets a bad name—and it should if you’re seeking to grow by stepping on others or holding them back. But it’s also okay if you feel good about your work and take pride in a job you do well. In fact, 85% of respondents appreciated the social status their job gave them and 86% said they are ambitious in their careers. In fact, ambition was the reason why 21% of people work more than is required—and seeking a chance for promotion was the impetus for 16% of people to go the extra mile. For 11%, recognition was one of the primary reasons they work.

If ambition or status drive you to work hard, embrace these. Feeling good about what you do and drawing esteem from the positive impact you have on people and results are nothing to be ashamed of and they can serve as great motivators.

Reflect on what you do well and find ways to express these talents in your job. Track the work you do and find ways to ensure your boss knows about your effort and the level of performance you deliver. Also help others. People won’t appreciate your ambition if it’s all about you, but when you contribute to the team and recognize others for their efforts, people will appreciate you as well.

Ambition doesn’t have to come with arrogance. You can be confident with what you do well, and also humble about what you have to learn and the ways you rely on the expertise of others. Let ambition and status motivate you, but not overshadow the way you value those around you.

#3 – Embrace Your Purpose

Another reason people in the study reported they work is for a sense of purpose in life (14% of people) and in order to make a difference (13%). Purpose is indeed a powerful reason to wake up in the morning.

A sense of purpose arises from three things. First, a sense that you’re connected to something bigger than yourself, and second, a sense you can contribute to that thing in a unique way. A third element of purpose has to do with people. You’ll feel a greater sense of purpose when you see how your work contributes to others. Delivering annualized growth or shareholder value may be required as an employee, but what will motivate you most is thinking of the end-customer who is affected by your efforts.

So, clarify the bigger picture. Are you manufacturing medical equipment which ultimately helps people achieve better health? Or are you working in a student affairs office, contributing to the positive college experiences of freshman? Reflect on how you’re making a difference, what your work means to those you work with and those who ultimately receive the benefits of the work you do.

#4 – Embrace Your Passion

Another reason people report they work is because of their passion (24%). And passion is also the reason 33% of people go beyond their job requirements. They also say they work more than is required because they love their work (40%).

Passion is a great motivator and one study found when people were working in an area of passion, they were more likely to take actions which fueled their success—pursuing a promotion, learning new things or taking initiative.

When you’re working in an area where you have passion you feel especially interested and curious. You also tend to feel energized by your work and you want to put more energy into your job. Give thought to what you like to do and align your work with that as much as possible. It’s rare to have a perfect match between what you love to do and what you have to do, but when you have greater overlap between these, you’ll have more happiness as well.

Look around at other roles, ask questions to learn what certain jobs entail and then take steps to get the additional education, coaching or development you need to move in those directions. Also be open to new opportunities. When someone taps you on the shoulder to take on something new, say yes more than you say no—because of the opportunity for stimulation, growth and development of new relationships.

#5 – Embrace Your Colleagues

People also work and go above and beyond because of their colleagues. In fact, 15% of people work because of the people they work with, and 9% of people go above and beyond because it helps stave off loneliness.

Work is an important place to make friends and one study found 75% of people make their friends at work. Work is a great place to connect because you get to know people over time. Even if you change jobs every year or two, you still have a chance to create relationships—which you can sustain even if you move on.

And work gives you the chance to work on tasks together—where the greatest bonding occurs. And it gives you the opportunity to get to know people—their challenges, their gifts and their unique personalities. Having meaningful relationships at work gives you a greater sense of overall meaning with your work because you feel connected and part of a community.

When you’re working or deciding how much effort to give, consider your teammates and how your work will contribute to their success. And feel good about the relationships which grow through working toward common goals or solving problems together.

A Bright Future

No work experience is perfect, but you can create the conditions for a fulfillment and happiness. And when you do your best, bring discretionary effort and express yourself through your work, it benefits you as well as others around you.