Psychological Services Group has designed a journey to psychological wellness. The journey comprises five major "stations", namely A.P.P.L.E. This year, we embark on the journey to the first "station" of "Appreciation". Besides adopting a balanced and healthy lifestyle, being able to appreciate the meaning in Police work is also an important way to manage the stress Police officers face.

 

In the previous series of "PsyNet", we showed our appreciation ability could be enhanced from the cognitive perspective. Being an appreciative person starts with having the capability to appreciate both the positive and negative aspects of life experience and recognise the meaning of adversity.

 

When work become a major part of our lives, it is more important for us to recognise how we can find the meaning in our work. Psychologists attempt to understand the meaning in work from the followings.

 

1. Direction: For many people, the values, missions and visions of an organisation seem to be just slogans, yet they provide clear directions for our work. If members of the organisation understand the corporate values, they would be able to fulfil philosophies and values better.

 

2. Belonging: In the views of psychologists, when members of an organisation recognise themselves as part of a collegial community, they would develop a sense of connectedness, which would enhance their perception of the meaning in their work. Positive work atmosphere is built on the trust-based and respectful relationships among members of an organisation. The positive atmosphere would help one's engagement in work, leading to job satisfaction.

 

3. Coherence: Imagine how miserable we are when a huge part of our lives is occupied by work and we can hardly find coherence of work and ourselves. On the contrary, when our jobs match our life values and purposes, we would be motivated to work intrinsically and would be more persistent in facing adversities. In this way, we would be more ready to recognise and accept difficulties and appreciate the satisfaction and meaning that they have led to.

 

4. Significance: A significant job does not necessarily mean one needs to do something with big impact and be influential. Different jobs carry different extents of significance. It is more important to pay attention to the positive implications of our contribution to other people, the organisation and even society. Police work itself carries great significance. It is not difficult for Police officers to recognise the significance of their jobs when they are entrusted with the responsibilities to protect society. When we are aware of the impact of our work on other people, the sense of meaning and purpose that we have gained would become a driving force for our jobs.

 

In the next four consecutive issues of "Balances in Law Enforcement Series", we will tell the stories of four police officers working in different positions. Their work experiences will demonstrate the four aspects of appreciating meaning in work.