“…the only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
Miscommunication and assumptions are the main cause of dissension between employers and employees. Organizations want to find people with a passion and love for their company’s core values. Employees want to work for an organization that gives them the opportunity to grow. Steve Jobs believed an organization could find employees who shared the company’s values and offer an environment for employees to grow.
The disconnect occurs when employers make assumptions on what employees want without asking. Here are a few common misconceptions employers have about their employees:
1. Giving employees more money will keep them happy. Human nature craves recognition and appreciation. Some employees would be motivated by more money; however, the clear majority would appreciate something more heartfelt. A few suggestions are leaving early one or two days a month, an extra paid day off, access to a gym on site or a gym membership.
2. Immediate supervisor is the problem. When an employee is underperforming usually the immediate supervisor gets the blame. Sometimes, a disconnect occurs between upper management and the employee. The immediate supervisor gets caught in the middle trying to keep everyone happy and on track.
3. Work environment doesn’t matter. Studies have shown a positive work environment leads to more productivity, engaged employees and happy customers. Organizations must give continuing education to all employees and levels of management. Promoting team work and embodying the company's core values is important.
4. Hands off style of management. No one likes micro-managed, but there is a balance. Employees need to hear they are doing a great job from management. The more an employee feels appreciated, the harder they will work. On the flip side if an employee is underperforming then they need to hear about it. Don’t wait until an annual review. Have monthly talks with employees to encourage and engage with them.
Instead of guessing at what will keep employees happy and motivated, just ask. Have a face to face conversation or try an employee satisfaction survey. Let’s color outside the lines by taking the pulse of your organization with an employee satisfaction survey today.