Written by Dave Cullen
According to career experts, the needs and wants of employees have not changed in over 50 years. In a landmark study conducted in 1946 by the Labour Relations Institute of New York, it was found that employees prioritise a sense of purpose and a fair boss over good salary and job security. Since then, subsequent studies conducted periodically have yielded similar responses. Although salary, working conditions and office perks are certainly welcome incentives, it’s the intangible benefits that are among the primary determining factors in achieving happiness at work. These benefits included trust, respect and appreciation of work done.
Although workplace specialists have discovered that not everyone’s definition of happiness is the same, there are some universal criteria common to all employees. The following, is a list of 5 things employees want most from their jobs.
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Praise for a job well done: Some employers can be quick to doll out criticism for mistakes made but slow to offer praise for their success. Offering encouragement and praise can be a powerful tool in a boss’s motivational arsenal and goes a long way to boosting an employee’s morale
- Respect: Employees want to be treated like adults and paid according to their abilities. Job satisfaction increases when an employee feels they are being treated fairly. They also appreciate a boss who empowers them to make decisions and rewards their creativity and initiative.
- Personal Career Development: Employees wish to work in an environment that provides opportunities for individual, professional growth. They desire training, up-skilling and advancements within the organisation that can lead to a new position and increased compensation.
- A good and fair boss: In a job satisfaction survey conducted by Yahoo! Hotjobs, over 50% of participants admitted that they had left their job not because of the company but because of their boss. Employees are seeking a boss who is fair, understanding, honest, encouraging and cares about them. The feeling of being valued and trusted by an employer continues to rank consistently high as a prerequisite for job fulfilment.
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Sense of Purpose: It is much easier for an employee to come in everyday if they are engaged in their work. If they feel their work has meaning and significance they will feel connected to the objectives and principles of the company. They will begin to believe they are making a positive contribution, which maximises their talents and abilities.
For more career advice, check out some of our other blogs: How to dress for an interview and Using Facebook to find a job.
