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Do you know what your staff wants and what makes them happy to wake up at 6.30 am and start a new day at the office? Catherine Choo, Senior Consultant, OTi Consulting, says understanding employee needs will lead to better relationships, and results, throughout the workforce.
Those who dread the morning workday routine will generally say that their job is unfulfilling and dreadful. However, due to various other commitments and the current economic crisis, most endure the situation, lest they risk unemployment.
Being frustrated, work relegates to just a job that they are being paid to do regardless of the difficulties and challenges.
Sounds depressing? It doesn't have to be. There are always two sides to every story. To grow in this situation, one must look at the challenges faced as a learning platform. Each time one managed to overcome a problem, he or she will become a better and wiser person. It is a learning experience. It is about employee's work expectations.
People who have clear defined, well-communicated expectations find more satisfaction and success in their work compared to those whose expectations go unspoken or unrealised. Most important of all, organisations benefit by having satisfied employees, which ultimately leads to increased productivity and reduced turnover in the workforce.
According to studies, there are generally 10 categories of benefits which we expect from our jobs. They are: structure, diversity, recognition, autonomy, environment, expression, teamwork, stability, balance and career growth.
For example, for those who have high diversity needs, it is important to work with others who have different personal histories, perspective and opinions. They want their colleagues' willingness to discuss ideas and concerns and expect that everyone's opinions will be considered, regardless of position or status.
For those who need autonomy, they will expect to work in a job which allows them to freely express their ideas and viewpoints, as well as use their skills and abilities to impact that environment.
Whereas for those who have high expression needs, a work environment that allows them to be themselves is the most important factor. They find it crucial to express their individuality and creativity through work and want their work to reflect who they are as well as what they can do.
Whether spoken or unspoken, expectations are the key drivers of people's attitudes, impacting their thoughts, feelings as well as behaviours. If one is unclear of what they want, then he or she will be aimless in their career pursuit.
Denying the existence of one's expectations makes a person feel frustrated and unable to perform to the best of their potential. This, ultimately, leads to low productivity and sub-par performance at work, affecting promotion and career advancement opportunities.
Knowing your own job expectations is as crucial as knowing the job expectation of your staff. As an employer, one may feel that there is no need to worry about turnover as jobs are currently scarce. Over the long-term however, turnover will always have an expensive impact on organisations. Companies benefit from having satisfied employees - this is an adage that we all too often take for granted.