Oct 24, 2025
We spend one-third of our day at work — but how many of us truly love what we do? Passion isn’t something we find; it’s something we build.
A typical full-time employee works around 1,880 hours per year (not including vacation or holidays). That’s about 78 days a year — nearly one-fifth of your life — spent doing something you may not feel passionate about. According to Gallup data, employee engagement in 2024 dropped to its lowest level in a decade, with only 31% of employees feeling engaged.
With almost 70% of employees disengaged, it’s no wonder that workplace culture, performance, and morale take a hit. Less engagement can lead to poor quality of work and efficiency, resulting in lower client satisfaction, reduced pay rates, and even downsizing. And when that happens, it doesn’t just affect the company — it affects quality of life.
The truth is, no job checks every box. It’s up to you to take ownership and get creative about how to make your role more fulfilling. When you invest in building passion, you improve your work environment — and your life outside of it.
The more present you are, the more likely you are to love not only what you do, but who you’re becoming in the process.
Here are five ways you can start increasing your engagement and passion at work:
Many companies offer opportunities to socialize; it may not always feel convenient with your workload, schedule or comfort zone, but each opportunity you take to invest the time, you strengthen your sense of belonging.
As a remote employee, connection is vital for me — it makes my impact feel more tangible. The introvert side of me can make this challenging, but stepping out of my comfort zone has been worth it. That is why, when possible, I join Chipman Design Architecture's social hour, contribute to the Teams conversations (like Watercooler Wednesday), even fly to our Chicago Headquarters. I’ve also volunteered to participate in our mentorship program and design competitions like International Interior Design Association's Stitch and Re:Form. This allows me to work, spend time and learn from people I normally wouldn’t — deepening my relationships and reminding me that I am part of something bigger.
In a day where there are so many distractions pulling us toward isolation, I challenge you to lean into community — it can fuel your passion.
You’ve probably heard the saying: "there’s no such thing as a dumb question — except the one not asked". Whether you’ve worked at your company for 30 years or just completed your 30-day onboarding, keep asking questions. Curiosity keeps you growing and drives innovation.
It takes courage to challenge the norm and ask questions, but you have a perspective no one else has. You’re in the room for a reason —lean into your experiences and background.
I have found that when I have embraced curiosity, more opportunities have opened for me. I have been able to step into leadership roles I didn’t see for myself, I was able to help spearhead initiatives that I didn’t think would get traction, and I was able to leave memorable impressions with those I didn’t even think knew my name.
Your team and your clients want you to ask questions — to challenge them to think differently. And through that process, you’ll grow in ways you didn’t expect. Growth is exciting — and contagious.
I’ve learned that my “yes” is expensive — but when it comes to stretch assignments, it’s worth the investment. If I think too long, I will probably talk myself out of it.
“Yes-people” play it safe — leaders embrace risk.
For the times I didn’t think I was qualified, feared I’d underwhelm and didn’t see the point, I was pleasantly surprised with encouragement, support and growth. This may not have been your experience in the past, but don’t let it limit your future. As someone who has suffered from toxic work environments, I’ve seen how one can thrive in a healthy one and I am grateful.
Bet on yourself, the right team will go all-in with you.
Don’t limit yourself to what is written on your job description. Leadership looks for people willing to build with them.
If you only do what you’re told, you limit yourself to just a paycheck. What if your job was more than a financial means to an end? What if it was where you enlarged your life’s vision, discovered new skills, took advantage of opportunities, invested in those around you?
Your job can be a platform where you can find creative ways to add value (internally and externally). The more you pour out, the more room you have to get poured back into.
As I expanded my network, I learned who to collaborate with to bring ideas to life. Creativity often starts by maximizing what’s already in front of you.
Ask yourself: How can my job be a creative resource to my life’s purpose?
If you’ve watched the show Severance, you might relate to the fantasy of wanting to separate work-you from home-you. The truth is you can never fully sever one from the other even with good boundaries in place — the two are always connected.
Why not lean in? Rather than try and separate who you are when you clock in form who you are after you clock out, explore how blending each world makes you better.
I realized the more I practiced vulnerability and showed up authentically, the more seen and connected I felt. In an interview I shared an unusual hobby (strategic consulting) which led to an unexpected opportunity to participate in our firm’s philanthropic effort with Brookfield Properties’ Partner to Empower program. That experience helped me merge my personal passion with my professional role.
In the past, my background in finance was looked down upon because I didn’t take the most direct path in architecture, however my supervisor leans into my financial acumen — it has helped foster stronger report within my team.
You are not just your job title. Maybe you’re a parent, volunteer, artist, or entrepreneur — and those aspects make you more empathetic, relatable, creative, and human. The less effort you put into trying to compartmentalize, the more energy and motivation you have — the more present and engaged you can be.
Passion starts within you — commit to sparking passion wherever you go.
How do you stay passionate about your work?
What helps you stay engaged when motivation dips?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
