We happen to live in a world where every two out of three employees are dissatisfied with their work. And this has more to do with the nature of the workplace and the emotional environment of the organisation than the attributes of the job itself. Over a long period of time, the employee-work contract has undergone a significant change. In the 21st -century, an employee is as concerned about their monetary salary as they are about their emotional well-being at the workplace. They don’t wish to work just so that they can afford rent and food. They seek a greater sense of fulfillment. It’s time for organisations to absorb this change and transform themselves into what we call an Irresistible Workplace.
The first thing to understand is that any organisation can become an Irresistible Workplace. It is not a quality that depends on what resources you possess or the size of your business. Even a start-up can have an amazing work environment. It is the concept that is important. One has to realise the fact that people (the human capital) and how they work is what makes up the DNA of the organization. Therefore, it is not only necessary to recruit good talent but it is equally important to foster a work culture that helps retain and encourage talent. The organisational image perceived by employees is critical for determining its impact on an employee’s motivation, behaviour and performance. The foundation of an Irresistible Workplace rests on eight pillars. It is these parameters that require keen observation and improvement in order for organizations to become a workplace that their employees love and respect.
Leadership is the first and most decisive factor that changes your organization into an Irresistible Workplace. A leader must lead, not because an existing hierarchy allows him to do so. In an Irresistible Workplace, the leader influences the thoughts of the workforce by sheer positivity and transparency. In fact, when a leader’s influence is on the right path, all employees remain committed to the vision of the company. They work together with precision. There are some non-negotiable, critical values that a successful leader must exhibit. They are not only for the betterment of the workplace but even for their individual growth. Vision is a vivid mental image of what you want your business to become. And in an Irresistible Workplace, every employee is aware of the company’s vision. This knowledge is required because it helps in creating a set of goals that provide focus and a sense of direction. The first step is to write a vision statement. And this declaration needs to be internalized by every employee, right from the CFO to the new trainee. Vision is what propels the organization through tough times and shows the path whenever it is at crossroads.
Connected to vision is a strong purpose. The purpose is the why behind your vision. An organization with a definitive purpose is more attractive to its employees and customers. Purpose shows that a business stands for something beyond quarterly, half-yearly or yearly profits; that they have an eye on a bigger picture. In the new-age company culture, purpose helps you make difficult decisions for the betterment of the company’s future. It is instrumental in blurring boundaries across levels and hierarchies. Connected by purpose, employees work in unison for a brighter company future. Imperative to the well-being of any people-oriented structure is constant communication and feedback. A company reaches an all-time high when employees are completely at-ease when it comes to expressing their ideas and sharing opinions that may differ strongly from their supervisors. Open communication within a workplace causes the emergence of
compassionate employees and creative teams. And intrinsic to communication is feedback. Feedback is crucial if one wants to ensure authenticity. Timely, respectful and constructive
feedback is what any employee or team wants in order to work with clarity. Ambiguity is a threat to the smooth implementation of any task. Communication and feedback are what
ensure creative brainstorming and efficient execution.
Creativity is the bedrock of any organization. It is a must in order for the company to rise above the clutter and emerge as an industry leader. A company culture that supports creativity has a competitive edge that can hardly be achieved via other qualities. It is an important part of the senior management’s responsibility to dedicate adequate time, resources, training and infrastructure to get the creative process going. The team that is creative comes up with new ideas. The organization that introduces new ideas into the market has the first-mover advantage. This leads to greater profits and increased credibility in the eyes of the consumers. And most importantly, employees feel encouraged to think outside the box.
For the millennial workforce, an organization that promises flexibility and autonomy is definitely irresistible. We know how the new-age employee wants something more of out their professional lives. They don’t wish to be confined by an old-school, 9 to 5 culture. The freedom to try their hand at new ideas, the ability to work remotely and at their own pace are some of the opportunities that the younger generation is looking forward to having in their offices. And if an organization is receptive to the changing demands of the time, it will definitely attract motivated and creative individuals. One of the greatest truths of the world is that man is a social animal who is highly dependent on and influenced by the energy of his/her relationships. It even applies to workplaces where relationships and teamwork are decisive factors. Genuine relationships and heartfelt teamwork can never be replaced by technological advancement. A workplace that fosters emotional safety and psychological well-being is always revered by the employees. Respecting one another’s opinions, time, commitments and culture is a lovely thing and absolutely crucial in keeping the office environment happy. No organization, whether it’s a giant that’s been around for decades or a year-old start-up, can stop learning and growing. Similarly, they must be equally enthusiastic about helping their employees to learn. The best part of working in the 21st -century is that there are so many avenues of learning. From seminars and conferences to a conversation with someone who inspires you through a social media platform, accessing knowledge and information has become so much easier. As an Irresistible Workplace, it is a part of your responsibility to encourage an environment where learning is integral and is recognized and valued. Building an Irresistible Workplace is not an overnight phenomenon. It is a dynamic, long term process that depends on your passion and drive to create a professional space where your employees feel encouraged, challenged and appreciated. Yes, it will take time. But an Irresistible Workplace is every bit worth the effort!
