In today's working climate, employees are faced with a work environment that has little to do with what it was like 40 or 50 years ago. Back then, the working conditions could be hard; even hostile.
However despite the lack of modern facilities and all the amazing technology, offices and comfort available these days, employees remained faithful to the companies they worked for until they retired.
Most importantly, they showed pride in what they were doing and spending 40 years working for the same boss was the norm back then. Why is the workforce unhappy these days? And, why won't most employees think long-term when it comes to working for a company?
Have The Principles Changed?
Yes, they have. For a few decades, it's no secret that companies and management teams have put productivity, results and profits above anything else, including the well-being of the employees. To put it bluntly, human resource departments are much more after "skill sets" rather than individuals bringing with them all sorts of interpersonal skills, personality, creativity and much more.
Eighty percent of active workers are now jumping from one job to the next in the hope of finding a place where they can receive appreciation, fair treatment and recognition when deserved of course.
Employees are unfortunately turning into tireless working bees spending more and more hours at work, and receiving little to no gratification whatsoever. More tellingly, most of them are looking for more than a pay check at the end of the month; they crave self-development, aspirations, gratitude and a sense of well-being.
Now, is this possible?
Nothing is impossible and certainly not in the workplace. The key to making a company successful both on the inside and the outside is by making sure that the level of personal and professional satisfaction of an employee is continually improved and reviewed.
If you ask satisfied workers what makes a difference in the workplace, most of them will explain that a mutual feeling of trust and appreciation is a top priority. Sadly, most companies hardly ever consider this to be one of the most important management principles.
Let's not forget that an employee is also an individual with a personality of his own, feelings and many other much more worthwhile qualities than those listed on a job description. These are qualities that are often priceless but again, they are far too often ignored by the management.
Of course, formatting a newly hired individual to conform to the company's standards seems much more appealing to those in charge of the "personal and professional development" but clearly, this is a mistake. This system doesn't work.
Treating employees the way customers are treated is what could make the difference!
Have you ever thought that if company managers treated their employees the way they treat their customers, the general atmosphere and well-being of all employees and management alike could be turned around? This is probably the most powerful tool for managing a team these days. The workplace is a "home from home" for most people and enjoying coming to work will not only set a much better working environment for all but both the productivity and value would increase naturally.
Confidence and trust in the workplace is paramount for continued development and success. There are rules to follow of course when you join a company but rules can't dictate and manage people. Rules and regulations are there to protect both the company and the employees but are all of them necessary?
Stringent Rules Can Break an Employee's True Potential...
A recent survey confirmed that most employees felt somewhat crushed by the number of useless and petty rules imposed by their superiors. An employee, who feels stuck, scrutinized and constantly worrying about breaking one of the "golden rules" of the company will never be able to deliver his or her true potential. Trust must come from above and confidence will ensue.
There are countless amounts of interpersonal and development tools that companies could use to start changing the way they treat their employees. Having people coming to work with a smile on their face is what management teams should be looking for. This new approach would be beneficial for the company on all levels.
