Organizations, leaders, and managers have an important role to play in creating an empowering environment. However, empowerment doesn’t only come from the top. There are also things we can do ourselves to strengthen our own sense of confidence, ownership, and influence at work.

What does it mean to feel empowered?

First, take a look at your Influence score and reflect on whether there are any aspects of feeling empowered at work that you'd like to improve.

You might want to think about when you feel most able to contribute, where you feel your voice is heard, and what helps you feel trusted to make decisions or shape how work gets done.

Focus on what you can influence

When work feels uncertain or things are changing around us, it's easy to become overwhelmed by everything that's outside our control. Instead, take a moment to identify what you can influence. That might be how you organise your work, how you communicate with colleagues, the support you ask for, the way you approach a challenge, or simply the order in which you do tasks.

Small actions often create momentum. Focusing on what you can influence can help you feel more confident and in control, even during difficult periods.

Find your energy

Have you noticed how some tasks leave you feeling energised, while others drain you? Think about the work that gives you the greatest sense of enjoyment, purpose, or accomplishment. Equally, identify the activities that consistently leave you feeling depleted.

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to stop doing all of the things that drain you. However, where possible, organize your workload so that you complete some or all of the less enjoyable tasks before spending time on work that plays to your strengths and gives you energy.

You might be able to get all of the draining work out of the way first, or you might find it works best to alternate between draining and energising tasks. Either way, finding what works for you can help improve both your motivation and the quality of your work.

Remember you don't have to do everything yourself

Sometimes we take on too much because we want to help, prove ourselves, or simply keep everything moving. However, trying to be the superhero isn't always the most effective approach.

Sharing knowledge, asking for support, and delegating where appropriate can help reduce pressure while giving others opportunities to contribute and develop. Empowerment isn't about carrying everything yourself - it's about taking responsibility and sharing the load with others.

Look after your energy

Feeling empowered is easier when we have the energy to think clearly and respond positively to challenges.

If you're spending long periods sitting at a desk or in front of a screen, try to build regular movement into your day. Even short breaks to stand up, stretch, or go for a walk can help improve both your energy and your focus.

Looking after your physical wellbeing can have a positive impact on how capable and in control you feel.

Introduce something new

When every day feels the same, it's easy to lose energy and motivation. Introducing small moments of variety can help refresh your thinking and increase engagement with your work.

For example, you could:

• Change how you plan your day
• Learn a new skill
• Volunteer for a different project
• Try a different way of working
• Rearrange your workspace
• Take a different route on your pre-work walk or commute

Novelty doesn't have to mean making big changes. Small changes to your routine can help you see familiar challenges from a fresh perspective.

Your role in feeling empowered

Feeling empowered doesn't happen overnight. Like any aspect of happiness at work, it develops over time through the habits we build, the choices we make, and the opportunities we take.

By focusing on what you can influence, using your strengths, looking after your energy, asking for support when you need it, and remaining open to new experiences, you can gradually build a greater sense of confidence, ownership, and influence in your work.

Take some time each month or each quarter to reflect on which small changes have had the most impact. You may find that the smallest changes are often the ones that make the biggest difference.