The U.S. workforce is wondering when the orchestra will begin for new-job “musical chairs”. Managers with frozen budgets or uncertain revenue projections are counting on unemployment near a 10% plateau to keep workers in their seats.
But the “be grateful you have a job” caution is a time-stamped motivator. Recent job satisfaction surveys, such as the one released by the Conference Board earlier this year, indicate that many employees are eyeing the door for the first prospect – somewhere else.
Separate surveys have indicated that the least satisfied category of workers are those employees under the age of 30, the “millennial” generation. These younger workers are the least likely to stay put when opportunity knocks. While that may always have been the case, the imperative now is that Millennials increasingly are the core of the U.S. workforce; their tech savvy and lower salaries increase efficiency and maximize capital investments. In other words, managers should strive to retain these creative and valuable individuals.
And, true, the majority of people who have jobs are grateful to have them. But gratitude is not a substitute for satisfaction. Millennials in particular expect some fulfillment in their work. They believe part of that is demonstrated by managers who are active mentors and by career development training. Regrettably, these are two areas too easily shelved by managers harried by their own increased workloads and expanded responsibilities.
So, how long is the bridge from “fed up” to “fired up”? It’s not nearly as long or as expensive as replacing good, well trained employees. Employees know the economic score and don’t expect miracles. But they do expect attention and management that takes a genuine interest in how they can improve skills for advancement. They are also looking for an increased sense of purpose at work and the recognition and reward for what they do now.
Get ahead of “the band” and start across the bridge. Ignite your own enthusiasm and lead your team to do the same. Sell the benefits of listening and communicating clearly. Invite participation in deciding and meeting objectives. Communicate to save time, avoid conflict and engender mutual respect.
You can navigate the way to success and satisfaction. An investment in valued colleagues and teams now will keep them productive and present when the music swells and chairs begin to rattle.
Learn how to inspire and motivate your employees and build successful fulfilling relationships with the Seven Simple Secrets outlined in Carmine Gallo’s book Fire Them Up!. Carmine shares his knowledge as a communications coach along with stories and tactics from some of the world’s top business leaders and most influential people to help you master the seven simple secrets of influence.