By shifting to a proactive approach of involvement with staff, an organization can raise awareness to unseen issues and find effective methods to help motivate employees and increase overall job satisfaction and productivity.
Job satisfaction is determined by the nature and characteristics of jobs, it also refers to the feelings (both positive and negative) that an employee has toward their job and employer. (Robbins, 16) This includes facets such as characteristics of the job, job involvement, social interactions both internal and external, and the element of challenges and reward. According to research from the wellness article, performance, absenteeism, and turnover are three variables that correlate with job satisfaction. The case study discussed how job satisfaction is directly linked to the level of motivation and attitude an employee has in regards to their position, their organization and ultimately the level of commitment each holds to their employer. By investigating the relationship between cost savings and a wellness outreach program within the health care industry, Highmark concluded that when the organization took an initiative to support their employees outside of a workplace setting, the cost savings drastically increased. On average every $1 spent on the program garnered a $1.65 increase in cost savings, which in turn leads to a decrease of absenteeism and increase in productivity. This example shows how engaging with staff to create a positive work environment helps to increase job satisfaction by helping employees maintain a positive attitude towards their work/life balance. (Naydeck, 153)
There has been an indirect relationship found between job satisfaction and absence. While a dissatisfied worker may choose to miss work, our wellness case explained, an increase in company morale would effectively contribute to the bottom line; low absenteeism. When employees effectively engage in a work life balance they are happier. Compared to a dissatisfied worker, a satisfied employee is more likely to attend work if they have a minor illness, such as a cold or headache. When factors such as excused versus unexcused absences and organizational sanctions for absenteeism are taken into account, a small, but consistent negative relationship is found between the two constructs. As such, it is vital for companies to engage with staff in a positive manner to keep every high in morale. A wellness program in only a small segment of what can be done to retain the right people for the job.
Employee motivation and job satisfaction are constantly evolving issues within all organizations. Employee motivation can be seen as an independent variable directly related to job satisfaction. The satisfaction of a job is more than productivity. It is a feeling obtained by working. For example, if an employee enjoys their work, their co-workers and the responsibilities they have been given; it helps create a positive outlook. Meaning, if you are happy at work, chances are you will be happy outside of work and vice versa. Employees who are not satisfied with their current position or status cannot perform their tasks optimally and thus they have to be motivated to perform their tasks. Yet, even with these motivation factors, an unhappy employee carries those feelings into their personal life, and eventually the cycle will repeat until the levels of motivation become ineffective or simply too costly for an employer. Sources of motivation vary amongst industries. The most effective methods of motivation include recognition programs, staff involvement initiatives, and monetary incentives, however, as we have discussed in class an employee with a salary of $80,000 tends to be as happy as an employee with a $40,000 salary. (Robbins, 21) Although money motivates employees to achieve a goal, it does not create a “happy” employee.
The motivation for workers to act in a desired manner has always plagued the thoughts of management. This has caused managers to develop frameworks for recognizing employee differences and highlighting areas for development, feedback and engagement. In many ways companies focus on a social responsibility to their employees by establishing incentive programs, such as salary bonuses, variable pay incentives, corporate pep talks, team building exercises/retreats, wellness programs and other types of policies. However, as the workers adjust their behaviours in response to some of the aforementioned stimuli, can job satisfaction effectively be achieved? By instilling the feeling of positive job satisfaction within workers, management can build confidence, loyalty and ultimately improve the output performance of the employed. Satisfaction, though, is not the simple result of an incentive program. Employees will most likely not take any more pride in their work even if they win an incentive for highest performance, highest sales or best customer service. However, as we discussed, motivation is an integral and independent part that is required to achieve an overall positive job satisfaction mentality.
Given the subjective nature of job satisfaction, evaluative, cognitive, and behavioral components must be considered in order to determine overall global job satisfaction. By examining specific areas relevant to a job, job satisfaction can be determined. We have discussed two methods in class that can assist in grading the level of satisfaction within a role. By utilizing the Single goal rating system and analyzing the summation of job facts employers can begin to assess the criteria needed to help improve employee satisfaction. (Robbins, 19) When combined with effective incentives to stimulate employees (both internally and externally) a blend of increased motivation, productivity and job satisfaction/enjoyment can be realized. When companies take an active approach to communicate with their team and to resolve issues before they arise; the organization as a whole will benefit from the increase in positive working environments, productivity and employee performance.
In conclusion, as organizations try to facilitate initiatives to hire the best of the best in such a demanding global market, we must keep in mind that once we find the employees with “the right stuff” we will need to constantly engaged, motivate and challenge them. The hiring process is a two way street. When a company finds what they feel is the right candidate they extend an offer hoping that the candidate feels that their organization is a place they see themselves growing and developing with. It is vital to carry an open communication across all channels. By allowing staff and management to be involved in employee development, organizations can effectively increase the retention of employees (human capital) whilst simultaneously increasing the feelings of job satisfaction and creating a positive work environment.
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