Forbes Human Resources Council
CommunityVoice
POST WRITTEN BY: Expert Panel, Forbes Human Resources Council
Several years ago, organizations clamored to fill their offices with ping pong tables, bean bag chairs and a pantry full of snacks, because that's what they believed millennial employees valued most. While those types of perks may be viewed as fun, they're not necessarily the things that will get a team member to stick around for the long haul.
So what do your employees really want to get when they come to work for you? We asked a panel of Forbes Human Resources Council members to weigh in. From flexible work options to a simple sense of belonging, here's what they had to say.
Top 10 Signs You’re happy at Work.
In the usual frustrations that come from working with other human beings, sometimes it’s easy to miss these signs that we really do love what do every day.
These are all quite personal reasons, but organization leadership can do a great deal to foster a work environment and culture of recognition in which it’s easier for employees to love their jobs.
- You have friends at work. We simply want to work with and for people we like and respect.
- You enjoy helping your colleagues. You’re as invested in their success as in your own.
- You’re shocked that it’s already 4:00 in the afternoon. The days fly by because you’re engaged in and enjoy what you’re doing.
- You hate it when you’re sick because people are counting on you! You don’t want to let anyone down, though you know others are more than happy to fill in for you while you recover.
- Weekends are just a way to recharge for Monday. You never have a “case of the Mondays” because the work you do matters to you.
- You look for ways to share credit with others. You don’t feel the need to hoard credit to prove your worth. You want everyone to share in the success.
- “Going the extra mile” is just the way you work. You’ve never “worked-to-rule” because it’s just natural to do more and exceed everyone’s expectations.
- Typical “annoyances” at work just don’t bother you all that much. Let’s face it. Work and the work environment are never perfect, but the usual petty problems tend to roll of your back because you’re focused on the bigger issues.
- You find yourself looking for solutions instead of griping about problems with your colleagues. Instead of complaining around the water cooler (or coffee machine), you and your friends chat about ways to make things better and run more smoothly.
- You know what you do matters and makes a difference to the bigger picture. You’re able to focus on the big picture because you fully understand how what you do every day helps turn that picture into a masterpiece.
What are some other signs that you love what you do?
Originally published by:
You can find more from Derek Irvine on his Recognize This! blog.
Derek Irvine is Vice President, Client Strategy & Consulting Service at Globoforce, a global provider of strategic employee recognition and reward programs. In his role as a thought leader for employee recognition at Globoforce, Derek helps clients set a higher ambition for global, strategic employee recognition, leading consultative workshops and strategy setting meetings with such organizations as Avnet, Celestica, Dow Chemical, Intuit, KPMG, Logica, P&G, Symantec, and Thompson Reuters. Contact him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
It’s not easy being a manager these days. You’re responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, coaching, modeling, engaging, monitoring, motivating, anticipating, prioritizing, planning, evaluating, clarifying, adapting, envisioning, directing, disciplining, reinforcing, reporting, recognizing, budgeting, and building alliances. And that’s all before lunch. And if you struggle with just one, your reports will say you’re over your head.
Do you keep a to-do list at work? And if you do is it a source of happiness at work or an endless source of frustration, overflowing with unsolved tasks – as it is for many people?
I hate my to-do list because
1. I feel so overwhelmed when I see this long list of to-dos.
2. Items not crossed off on the to-do list are a reminder that I didn’t finish what I set out to do and that I could have done more with my day.
If you feel the same way, here are 3 simple tips to help you use your to-do list in a way that creates happiness at work rather than frustration.
4 Ways To Create A More Stable & Healthy Work Environment
As a leader, it’s your job to make sure your employees are happy, healthy and enjoy working at your business. Turnover is expensive, and too much of it will create a very difficult environment to work and exist each day.
However, there are a few particular ways you can create a more stable atmosphere in the workplace that will help your employees keep their mental and physical wellbeing in check. The worst decision you can make is to look the other way and take no action at all for improving the conditions at your office. Hoping the situation will get better on its own isn’t a wise approach, so it’s worth your energy to figure out how you can help.
8 Expert Tips To Having A Healthy Company Environment
Originally Published By: John Rampton on February 18, 2015
Arguably one of the most important elements in motivating and engaging employees is by having a healthy company environment. But, how exactly can you make an environment where team members are productive, happy, encouraged and accepted? Try these eight valuable tips and you’ll be on your way to having a healthy company environment.
1. Build Trust
According to 90% or workers, honesty, trust and fairness are considered the most important attributes valued in the workplace. But, how exactly can you establish trust in the workplace? According to Eva Rykrsmith on QuickBase, an organizational psychologist and HR/OD leader, you can begin by doing the following:
January Is…
National Blood Donor Month
Happy New Year! With the closing of another year, we will jump right into our second month of Alpha Cares, which raises awareness and funds for causes that are near and dear to our hearts!
January is National Blood Donor Month! Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Those who suffer from accidents or sickness are in great need for red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate that come from donated blood.
Many people have a fear of blood or needles that keep them away from donating blood. However those with that fear who decide to give blood find that the process is easy, relatively pain-free, and quick. The donation process is quite simple, as it is split into four parts: registrations, health history and mini-physical, donation, and refreshments.
You too can save a life by donating blood. Visit www.redcross.org and type in your zip code to find the nearest blood drive location. Please consider supporting this important cause, as there are many people who are in need of donated blood every minute.
June Is…
Environmental Awareness Month
In June we are spreading awareness for conserving the environment! In America, we often use many resources without thinking about the consequences. Although our country makes up less than 5 percent of the world population, we still consume over 30 percent of its resources. Also, 110 million Americans live with such high levels of air pollution that threaten their lives.
May is…
ALS Awareness Month
May is nationally known as ALS Awareness Month! ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is a motor neuron disease that affects a person’s ability to walk, dress, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. About 6,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with ALS every year, yet there is no known cause or cure.
