by Richard Avdoian
For many generations, the primary motivator for the vast majority of the work force was to simply have a dependable full-time job and money. Business owners were not concerned about the employees beyond be here on time, do as you are instructed, be productive and you will be paid in wages in a timely fashion. This was the status quo and employees were satisfied; then employees began demanding increases in wages.
As time passed, the work culture shifted from wages to wages and basic benefits. Businesses now had to rely on more than money to attract and retain employees. The added benefits of health insurance, disability insurance, personal days, and life insurance were what prospective employees required.
In time, with the rising cost to provide these benefits, businesses needed employees to contribute to maintain them. Gradually the desire and, in many cases, expectation were for increased benefits (child care, lunches, health club memberships, personal days).
Today the shift is not for increased money or benefits but rather for a different compensation. Employees are seeking more for themselves, more control of their time and a healthy work-life balance. Now the desire is for yet another shift from work-life balance to life-work balance. For more and more people of all generations, life comes first, work comes second. What you do for a living is less important than how well you live life.
More attention is being paid and research funded to learn more about what employees want in their lives and particularly in the work environment. It has been noted that there is a growing awareness of personal values. Expect to see the frequency of studies increase, as studies have found that employees are feeling they are devoting too much energy at work, leaving less energy for the things in their lives they value most. In some studies, employees polled said they would opt to take a pay cut to have additional time off (vacation/personal days).
For several years now, the weak economy has resulted in many businesses and corporations operating with fewer employees. While maintaining desired productivity levels, remaining employees are being pushed harder, contributing to workers experiencing burnout. This is increasingly contributing to the shift from the mind-set of “living to work” to one of “living healthy.”
The movement continues as the work force becomes increasingly aware of the importance of healthy living and personal values and reflects on the strain, hardship and health issues work contributed to in past generations. Employees are now talking candidly with colleagues and employers about the importance of personal and organizational values.
Business owners and corporations need to recognize the importance of creating and maintaining a meaningful work culture that encourages employees to contribute ideas, maximize skills, work smarter and stay.
Richard Avdoian is president of Voyage to Success, a business consulting group. He works with corporations, businesses and associations committed to training and retaining highly motivated, productive employees and businesses committed to providing exemplary customer service and increasing productivity and profitability. For information about training and seminars, visit www.VoyagetoSuccess.com or contact Avdoian personally at Richard@RichardAvdoian.com or 618-972-8588.
Submitted 9 years 118 days ago