|
Here is what employees say they want from management, in order of what was identified as most important:
1. Full appreciation for work done
2. Feeling included – “in on things”
3. Sympathetic help on personal problems
4. Job security
5. Good wages
6. Interesting work
7. Promotion and growth opportunities
8. Personal loyalty
9. Good working conditions
10. Tactful discipline
Now take a look at what managers say employees want, in order of what was identified as most important:
1. Good wages
2. Job security
3. Promotion and growth opportunities
4. Good working conditions
5. Interesting work
6. Personal loyalty to workers
7. Tactful discipline
8. Full appreciation for work done
9. Sympathetic help with personal problems
10. Feeling included – “in on things”
The survey came out in 1946 in Foreman Facts, from the Labor Relations Institute of NY and was produced again by Lawrence Lindahl in Personnel magazine, in 1949. These studies have been replicated with similar results by Ken Kovach (1980); Valerie Wilson, Achievers International (1988); Bob Nelson, Blanchard Training & Development (1991); Sheryl & Don Grimme, GHR Training Solutions (1997-2001).
Points of interest are various and many, but two important ones: good wages is fifth not first on the employee’s wish list and the top three items on the employee list have to do with personal recognition and dignity. The top three for the employees are the bottom three for the managers.
Creating a skilled and loyal workforce of employees is critical to establishing the value of a business. This survey shows that wages need to be fair, but it is not the wage that keeps the employee over time. Having management aware of and responsive to employee needs will save money by avoiding turnover and maintaining sensible wage positions.
|
