No matter how much you love your job, you won't always feel motivated or happy at work, which is completely normal, writes Alyse Kalish. If you feel bored, try tackling a new challenge such as starting a project, enrolling in an online course or seeking a transfer to a different department.

Technology has the power to transform the workplace, but we don't need to fear it if we use it in a way that enhances our jobs, writes Mitchell Garsee. He draws lessons from the television series "Black Mirror," arguing artificial intelligence creates opportunities for innovation.

Even if you find shared office spaces uncomfortable, it's OK to expose your vulnerability and laugh at the awkwardness, Camille Charluet writes. Use your company's social networking tools to reach out to colleagues online, and try to escalate small talk into meaningful conversations.

A survey of 507 full-time employees revealed that 23% do not have any employer-sponsored benefits, and employers that don't offer benefits tend to cite a lack of funds and a lack of knowledge as reasons why. Ninety-five percent of employees said workplace benefits are very or somewhat important to their job satisfaction.

If you're regularly feeling the effects of burnout, it might be time to consider moving on, writes Monique Valcour. Ask yourself whether your job is bringing out your best, if it aligns with your values and if you have opportunities for career progression at your current company.

You might be more productive if you adopt a nontraditional work schedule, writes Pia Silva, who works from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Whatever schedule you set for yourself, it's important to commit to it and to have goals for what you plan to accomplish each day.

The Mars Curiosity rover sent a selfie along with other photos taken by the rover's Mars Hand Lens Imager earlier this week. The rover team then tweeted the selfie as a way of celebrating the end of the US government shutdown.