The 2009 Employee Job Satisfaction Survey Report by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) showed employees who are more satisfied with their jobs and workplace are more likely to stay with their employers. Unfortunately, a report by The Conference Board states that only 45 percent of Americans are contented with their jobs, a figure echoed in a Robert Half survey of finance professionals in Singapore. Several aspects of job satisfaction are at play and an assessment of work values would prove invaluable.
Challenging Jobs
Some people operate best in a demanding environment where there is little room for error. They want roles which require them to solve challenging problems with time urgency. Preferring their work responsibilities to involve taking risks, they seek an environment where there is competition with other people.
Others see the challenge in a leadership role where they set policies and procedures and make important decisions for the company. In leading others, they are responsible for how things are done and for performance outcomes. They revel in the cut and thrust of leading, directing and managing.
Financial Rewards
Money is a big motivator in one’s job choices and even this can mean different things to different people. There are those driven to earn as much as possible in order to enjoy the finer things in life and retire with financial freedom. They may be competitive in wanting to earn more than their peers and be viewed as well-off.
Yet others find the reward in security. Regardless of the economic conditions they want to know that their job is secure and where their future lies with the company. Fringe benefits like medical and insurance and automatic salary increments can ensure their long term loyalty to the firm.
Creative Workplace
Working with creative and imaginative people or expressing self through writing, art or media provides great intellectual stimulation to some. Their creative impetus is generated by finding new and innovative ways to solve problems and improving the way things are done.
It can be argued that flexibility is one of the characteristics needed for creativity. Those for whom flexibility and diversity is important might find it in the manner in which work is conducted, the flexibility in what is to be done, the different people they get to meet and collaborate with and the variety of projects to manage.
Leadership Mentoring
Leadership mentoring is not restricted to those holding management posts. In the broader sense, this simply means helping those with problems, contributing to the well-being of others or teaching, training and serving others. It means building a workplace culture where colleagues are sympathetic and generous towards one another.
Self mastery is an example of leadership mentoring and can be built by being in an environment of people who encourage one another to improve continuously. This is well suited to those who wish to continuously learn and develop their skills and talents and who wish to enhance themselves through skills development training.
Knowing their personal values and driving factors can help the employee determine how well his core values fit with his current job, career path, and employer. Jobseekers can use this information to find a suitable career and prepare for their job interviews. Others may want to have their cake and eat it by building a portfolio career. However the results are used, this self awareness can provide much personal clarity and sense of direction toward a satisfying career.
Thaddeus Lawrence - A trainer and facilitator for youth and corporate workshops, Thaddeus is a former Economics lecturer and English teacher whose areas of ...
