New requirements for the psychosocial work environment: Why dialogue matters more than ever
Eirin Eriksen Horvei
October 14, 2026
The holidays are over, and it feels hard to start the working day. Perhaps you are even thinking about browsing job vacancies online. But before you throw yourself into job hunting, why not try to find your motivation again in your current job?
By understanding what drives you, you can more easily maintain and improve your own motivation in different situations. Motivation can be divided into three main categories: extrinsic, intrinsic and prosocial motivation. Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors and rewards. Intrinsic motivation is driven by the joy and satisfaction of carrying out the activity itself. Prosocial motivation, meanwhile, is about the desire to help others and contribute positively to their lives. Of these, intrinsic motivation is the most important driving force for engagement and job satisfaction.
Going from holiday mode to full speed can be overwhelming. Give yourself time to adjust. Start the day with a calm routine, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea. Prioritise your tasks and start with the easiest ones. This gives a sense of achievement that can motivate you to tackle the bigger tasks.
Large projects can seem daunting when you already feel overwhelmed. Break your tasks down into smaller, manageable parts. Set small, realistic goals for the day. For each task you complete, you will feel a satisfying sense of progress.
It is easy to end up sitting in front of the screen for a long time, but remember to take regular breaks. A short walk, a bit of stretching or a quick chat with a colleague can give you new energy and improve your concentration. Breaks help you avoid burnout and keep your motivation up throughout the day.
It is easy to withdraw to your own workspace when you are fed up. But try to open up to new opportunities and challenges by being more available and helpful to your colleagues. Offer your help to a colleague or your manager, and experience a sense of meaning and joy. New tasks can also give you a boost of energy, and perhaps you'll learn something new!
Take a step back and reflect on why your job is important. What do you do that is positive for the company or organisation you work for? Write down five points. This can help you see the bigger picture and find meaning in what you do. Understanding how your role contributes to the company's success can be incredibly motivating.
Rediscover why you chose to work where you are now. What was it about the company's values that appealed to you? These values can be easy to forget in a hectic everyday life, but they are often the foundation for well-being and motivation. Reflect on how these values are still important to you and your work.
Having something to look forward to can be a big motivating factor. It doesn't have to be a big holiday – plan a nice activity for the weekend, dinner with friends or a little outing. Small pleasures in everyday life give you something to look forward to and can lift your mood.
A cliché, perhaps, but it works. Smiling, even when you don't feel like it, can actually have a positive effect on your mood. Try it out – smile at your colleagues and see how it can lift both their mood and your own.
When you are fed up, it is tempting to look for new jobs. Before you take the step, think about why you chose your current job. Stability provides opportunities for development and strong relationships. It can be satisfying to see your own contributions make a difference over time.
Remember:
By combining motivation techniques with a positive attitude and strong social bonds, you can make your working day more rewarding. Welcome back to work, and remember that you have the opportunity to create a better working day for yourself and your colleagues!
Sources:
https://www.bi.no/forskning/business-review/articles/2017/08/motivasjon-for-a-gjore-en-forskjell/
https://www.bi.no/forskning/business-review/articles/2019/05/motivert-til-a-yte-sitt-beste/
