June 2008

A TIME FOR GRADUATIONS & NEW BEGINNINGS

GRADUATING TO A MOTIVATIONAL WORKPLACE

A recent workplace study confirms that treating employees with respect and dignity is critical to retaining good workers, especially in a better job market. Employees who do not feel as though they are treated with respect by their employers are over three times more likely to intend to leave their jobs within two years than those who feel they are treated respectfully, according to a survey by author of The Enthusiastic Employee, David Sirota (Wharton School Publishing, 2005). The study found 63% of those who do not feel treated with respect intend to leave within two years, versus only 19% of those who feel they are shown respect.

Note, the main reason employees don’t feel they are treated with respect isn’t due to abusive behavior by management. In most cases the challenge is management’s indifference, or the failure of management to go out of its way to demonstrate respect to employees.
Review the tips in column two for ways you can recognize and reward team members in your organization for jobs well done.

You don’t have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great.

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"Frequently, the difference between success and failure is the resolve to
stick to your plan long enough to win."
--David Cottrell

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"The more I want to get something done,
the less I call it work."
--Richard Bach

NEW BEGINNINGS

RETAIN & RECOGNIZE
GREAT PERFORMERS

The recent work of David Sirota, published by Wharton School, surveyed 370,378 employees. These employees gave clear indication to motivators in the workplace. How do you stack up? Which recognition practices do you currently employ?

- Encourage innovation and ideas on new and better ways of doing things.
- Provide employees with helpful feedback and coaching on how to perform more effectively.
- Recognize employees for their accomplishments and provide them with freedom to use their judgment.
- Value people as individuals, and give them a sense of being included.
- Appreciate diverse perspectives, ideas, and work styles.
- Encourage full expression of ideas without fear of negative consequences.
- Listen to, and fairly handle, employees’ concerns and complaints.

"A basic rule for managers is "Pass the pride down." People like to create when they can earn recognition for their ideas. When a good idea surfaces, the creator’s immediate superiors should show prompt appreciation."
--James L. Hayes