Even in the most popular workplaces, not everyone likes his or her job.
Ask employees to finish the phrase, "I love my job because . . ." and some can't help expressing frustration.
"No comments now," said one respondent to our survey at a large employer.
The worker continued, "Previously, it was one place I used to love to work and it used to provide me challenging work, but hard work has not paid off for me in the last 5 years with this organization."
Respect, praise, listening, and rewards that are more than tokens are among the things many workers value most from their bosses.
Below are other answers to specific questions that prompted workers to say they didn't feel appreciated. Company names were removed by the survey administrator, Workplace Dynamics.
What changes in direction would you like the company to make?
I would like the company to start appreciating their employees with more than a soft pretzel every once in a while. At the company you are not treated as an individual but as a number.
Other than higher pay, what would make you less likely to leave the company?
Feeling as though I am listened to. When employees voice concerns about a position, I want to feel confident that I am taken seriously.
Other than higher pay, how could the company better motivate you?
Make me feel appreciated for the work that I do here and not as though I'm a replaceable body. When an employee feels like they are important to the organization that they spend the majority of their lives in, there's no limit to what they can accomplish for the company. I don't even think half the people upstairs know my name or what I do here.
What would make you feel more appreciated at the company?
Being told we are doing a good job, instead of only/always being addressed with negative things.
What would make you more likely to recommend working at the company to others?
More appreciation for the job we do and better compensation for the job we do.
- Reid Kanaley
