Global statistics raise a concern on employee engagement and happiness across the world. Only 13% employees are engaged, whereas 87% are not. While India seems to be doing better in this account, as per 'Michael Page's Job Confidence Index’ (2017) which showed that 62% of Indian employees are far more satisfied at work than those in South East Asia, there is still a huge scope of improvement. With new-age job trends coming in, the dynamics of an employer-employee relationship and job satisfaction are also evolving. It is not just the day-to-day work or the compensation that motivates the employees any more. There are several other factors that motivate the employees to perform to the best of their potential.
Here are five ‘non-work’ aspects that can impact your job engagement as well as satisfaction.
recognition and appreciation
One of the key things that can drive you to work to the best of your efficiency is the recognition and appreciation that you receive for it. Positive motivation drives humans to want to excel at what they do. According to a study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group, the number one contributor to employee happiness is – ‘the appreciation for their work’. This latest finding has outdated the earlier ones that suggested ‘high pay’ to be the key factor of employee happiness. Although, an important thing to remember here would be, that each individual person is motivated by different things. You need to figure out your motivations and seek them at your workplace.
flexibility
The current generation of workers which largely comprises of millennials, is eager to learn and perform, but at their own time and will. Unlike the silent generation and the baby boomers, who dedicated the maximum portions of their lives to their jobs, the millennials demand more freedom and flexibility. The latter are more productive when they know that they have the liberty to perform a task in their own way. Simply put, they seek a larger ownership of a job/project. According to the Deloitte Millennial Survey 2017, millennials believe that flexible working arrangements induce better productivity and engagement. You need to identify such similar needs for flexibility at your own workplace and work out an arrangement that helps you engage better at work.
values of the company
Not a very likely, yet impactful factor of job satisfaction is – the values that your company stands for and emulates. Employees are motivated to work for organizations that instill a sense of pride in them. According to the Millennial Impact Report, more millennials are becoming engaged in philanthropic causes. The direct impact of this generation being more socially aware is that they also like to work at places that are more socially responsible
evidence of tech and innovation
While the current-age employees like to have means of recreational at work, what they actually seek is utility. Many companies, especially start-ups, try to emulate the example of Google by installing gaming areas, initiating fun activities, etc. what most of them don’t realize is that Google is doing much more to increase the happiness levels of its employees. Advanced tech support and high-quality equipment basics such as high-speed internet, latest laptops, and phones is what keeps employees more engaged than bean bags and TT table.
relationship with the manager
A healthy working relationship with the immediate supervisor and team members is a-must for an employee’s job satisfaction. Any kind of psychological stress or uneasiness can be a threat to an individual’s engagement at work, and hence his/her productivity. Employees seek managers who are also good leaders and great communicators. It is a normal human urge to work with people who are inspirational. Studies suggest that effective communication with management is one of the key contributors of job satisfaction for employees.
In essence, it is important to pay attention to these non-work factors as they can directly have an impact on your job satisfaction. Remember, you are also an active element of your work place and you also have a significant role in improving your work environment and culture. Identify the things that have either a positive or a negative effect on your work efficiency, and do your bit to improve your job satisfaction level.