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Posted: 13 Jul 2011 04:17 AM PDT  It should come as no surprise that many people are not happy at work. And secondly, that pizza recognition might not be the end all be all answer to retain and reward your company’s workforce.These unhappy folks get up at 5 a.m., shower, throw on the suit and tie and trudge to work because they have to, because of the reward value system in which most employee and employer relationships are built on. In other words, "I do this so I can pay my bills, buy what I want, support my family, etc., etc." On the other hand, there is a group of people that truly enjoys what they do every day. They bounce out of bed ready to head to work, and what's more, they look forward to the challenges and victories of the day because they are happy where they work and with what they do. So what makes one group work and the other group want to work? Many experts are disagreeing with the ingrained belief that we work for reward, work so we can receive compensation for what performing tasks in a successful way. Recently, Time magazine reported that in 2010, less than half (45% to be exact) of American workers were satisfied with their jobs. In addition, another survey commissioned by the American Psychological Association found that approximately 36% of employees complained of chronic work stress with 32 % saying they were dissatisfied enough to look for another job within a year. Another Gallup poll showed that up to 80% of employees do not feel engaged at work and feel little or no loyalty or passion for their job. Dire news. Makes one wonder why companies continue to offer bonuses, motivational seminars, pizza parties and other forms of motivational tools that are clearly not having the same impact they were 20 to 30 years ago. It's because our personality as employees has changed. We no longer seek the monetary reward as the sheer reason for work. In today's society – for better or for worse – employees are seeking self-satisfaction and fulfillment in all areas of their life. They want to feel they are receiving a life-changing or, at least, a life-improving, journey through love, play, faith and work. In his book, Punished by Rewards, author Alfie Kohn claims that traditional motivation no longer works and can actually hurt a work environment. He says that as soon as a punishment or reward is removed, the motivation of an employee disappears along with it. Secondly, if you don't constantly "up" the reward system, then motivation goes stagnant, and in the end, using punishment or rewards kills the original desire of an employee to be proactive for its own sake. So, what does work? What makes employees WANT to come to work every day and do the best job that they can without the old-fashioned punishment/reward system? Or is pizza really the answer? One Harvard Business Review study says the top factor that kept employees happy and engaged was "making progress." They reported that employees who felt they were given the resources and time to excel in their position were more fulfilled and stimulated at work. In other words, they were happy. So instead of supervisors being the source of motivation (i.e., offering raises, pizza parties and other reward events), they instead become mentors to help employees find their own source of motivation According to a Calumet-Purdue report, employees reported that certain motivators kept them engaged and happy. The top ones were being able to challenge themselves, having a choice in what they do daily, being able to work within a team and receiving positive and true recognition for the work they did. So, what motivates you? Think on this, because likely, the same factors that motivate you motivate your employees as well. What do you think? Do the bonuses/pizza party/punishment and reward system still work? Is there still a case for it? Share your thoughts. Photo Credit 2.bp.blogspot. Heide Brandes is a writer and content creator for Xceptional HR. She has more than 15 years of experience as an award-winning journalist and editor who specializes in human resources, career, and recruiting topics. You can learn more about Heide, our newest contributor at HeideWrites and follow her on Twitter @heidewrite.  |
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