As the workplace changes swiftly in the aftermath of the pandemic, social change, and other factors, one essential issue stays: How can we assure that we’re improving work for individuals, companies, and society?
Over the last year, there have been many research-based articles that address that subject. With the year drawing to a close, it’s a good time to review some of the most common themes of 2021, so we can best prepare for the new year.
What Employees Want (and Need) to Succeed in the Workplace
Your future workers are looking for freedom and variety. They want performance measures that promote value over volume, according to survey data. When employees claim they desire flexibility, they’re referring to autonomy. To provide employees with the autonomy they need, companies must establish reasons rather than rules, engage in employee development, build a feeling of belonging, and equip people with the tools they need to thrive. A survey of more than 14,000 showed that people work best when companies have clear standards, are open to inquiries, don’t have too many restrictions, encourage creative problem solving, reward excellent performance, acknowledge employees’ emotions, and create a clear sense of purpose.
Workplace Improvement Recommendations
Another survey identified six psychological traps that encourage us to plan and attend too many meetings, as well as solutions to these problems that must be defeated. For example, a phenomenon is known as “Pluralistic Ignorance” causes people to believe they’re the only ones who think a meeting is a waste of time, even though everyone privately agrees. To counteract this bias, leaders must aggressively promote feedback and use it to identify and remove ineffective meetings.
Organizations may look for cost-effective strategies to inspire their personnel. Honors such as thank-you cards, little gifts, or public acknowledgment are an excellent supplement to monetary compensation, according to the research. Companies should consider the appropriate messenger and timing, make it public, pay attention to details, and realize that a simple gesture has a powerful effect.
