Hot and Not Bothered ?
Research by The Ken Blanchard Companies on Employee Passion supports findings of latest CIPD report.
The latest CIPD research suggesting six out of ten employees are ‘not bothered’ about their work confirms The Ken Blanchard Companies long-held view that employee engagement is a critical business issue that has a direct impact on profits.
Blanchard’s own research mirrors that of the CIPD, suggesting that engaged workers are far more likely to ‘go the extra mile’ and remain loyal to their employers.
Jim O’Brien, Managing Director, EMEA for The Ken Blanchard Companies says, “Today, most of us expect a huge amount from the organisations we work for. We’re not prepared to endure any old nine-to-five to make a living. We want our workplaces to provide us with a sense of meaning and identity. We want to be recognised as individuals and have a chance to express ourselves. We expect work to engage our abilities and develop our potential.”
Blanchard has identified eight key factors that influence employee passion:-
- Meaningful Work – people feel their work is worthwhile and connected to a larger purpose
- Collaboration – an environment where motivation and inspiration are prevalent, and where people work together to succeed
- Fairness – the organisation itself and leaders within the organisation treat both the employee and the customer fairly and justly
- Autonomy – management style is collaborative and participative
- Recognition – people are praised and appreciated
- Growth – opportunities exist for people to learn and grow professionally, developing skills that lead to advancement
- Connectedness with Leader – having a solid relationship with one’s leader
- Connectedness with Colleagues – having a strong relationship with colleagues and co-workers
“That the CIPD research found 36% of workers don’t trust their senior leaders is significant, given Blanchard’s findings that stronger relationships based on fairness are essential in creating employee engagement and work passion,” says O’Brien. “If organisations are to attract and retain effective employees, and avoid the costs of replacing and rehiring staff, they must create a working environment where these employee needs are taken care of. Only when people can connect with - and trust - their leaders and colleagues will they unlock their discretionary energy on behalf of their employees.”