# Energy and Exhaustion By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-09-24 If one has worked long enough, one has almost assuredly experienced both energy and exhaustion from work. When energy is present there seems to be no limit as to what one can accomplish. One comes in early, stays late, skips breaks, and is thoroughly engaged in the task. When one is exhausted, even going through the motions can be a challenge. Many facets of life can influence the level of energy and exhaustion experienced. At any given moment, there likely isn’t much need for reflection on this. However, if one is experiencing persistent states of energy or exhaustion it potentially reveals something about one’s relation to work. As it relates to a persistent state of being, energy or exhaustion suggests something to the existential experience within an organization. Persistent energy suggests excitement, whereas persistent exhaustion suggests dread. This is the level of analysis. Assume the office, work, and coworkers all remain the same. What could make working in such an environment exciting for a period and then a source of dread? As defined, place and context would explain very little as we have assumed those elements stay constant. The change is from within the individual. Some sort of existential switch gets flipped, and one’s views toward the organization change. Two aspects that are worth considering are the degree to which one can envision making a meaningful contribution to organizational [[success]] and advance within the organization. Often excitement, and corresponding energy for work, come when one can see the positive effects of one’s work and has hope for career advancement. When those things are lacking, the work is exhausting, and thinking about going through it, day after day is a source of dread. Experiences of work are material and psychological. It is relatively easy for organizations to influence the material aspects of work. However, this only goes so far for so long. A dumpy work environment can be a source of persistent demotivation. Making the work environment sleek and modern will potentially motivate the workforce initially, but over time, it will simply be where one works. It is significantly harder for organizations to influence the psychological aspects of work. One might argue that there are significant ethical considerations associated with doing so. Individuals benefit from realizing that much of what they experience at work is internal to them; organizations benefit from realizing that they are dealing with human beings, not [[The Rise of Humanity Resources|human resources]]. #### Related Items [[Energy]] [[Exhaustion]] [[Work]] [[Business]] [[Environment]] [[Psychology]]