Often companies make the mistake of overlooking their most valuable resource … their employees. And, studies show, happy employees are more productive employees.
So, what’s the secret to helping your workers fall in love with their jobs? Here are top tips from three management experts.
Inspire Your People – Simon Sinek
Organizational consultant and bestselling author, Simon Sinek challenges companies of all sizes to Start with Why. Sinek says most businesses can answer, “What do you do?” and “How do you do it?” However, when asked, “Why do you do it?” they focus on results such as profit. They neglect to clarify their purpose, their cause, and their beliefs. Sinek writes, “Average companies give their people something to work on. In contrast, the most innovative organizations give their people something to work toward.” These are inspired workers who know they are part of something bigger than themselves. They wake up excited to go to work and return home fulfilled at the end of the day.
Look Beyond Perks – Patty McCord
As the chief talent officer at Netflix from 1998 to 2012, Patty McCord was instrumental in defining the company’s unique culture. McCord noticed many traditional reward systems were not only costly and time-consuming, but also unproductive. She felt these programs began with the false assumption that people needed incentives before they would throw themselves into their jobs. Although McCord admits people still love free sushi, sleeping pods, foosball tables and, of course, stock options, she argues, “Excellent colleagues, a clear purpose, and well-understood deliverables: that’s the powerful combination.”
Create a Social Web – Jerry Newman Ph.D.
Distinguished management professor Jerry Newman detailed his adventures working undercover in fast food restaurants in his book, My Secret Life on the McJob. One of Newman’s interests was to study how managers could cultivate dedication and enthusiasm in a low-pay, high-stress industry with average turnover rates around 150 percent. Newman found the most effective bosses created what he referred to as a social web. These managers worked diligently to stick crew members together by hiring people with common interests, encouraging friendships, organizing after-work social functions and making their restaurants a social hub. According to Newman, “… you need some reason to go to work every day.” Friendship is an excellent reason.
Of course, there is no magic formula for creating the perfect workplace. However, your organization can move toward improving employee engagement by listening to and acting upon any of the advice above.
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