A recent survey by the Conference Board in Minneapolis, Minn., found a mere 45 percent of Americans satisfied with their jobs. But, that's not a a signal for a massive change of workplaces, but rather for a massive change of attitude by American workers, says workplace culture consultant Roxanne Emmerich, president and CEO of The Emmerich Group.
"It's important for workers to stop thinking the grass is greener in the next pasture," says Emmerich. "The answer is not to polish up the résumé and leap into another workplace, but to help build a more positive workplace so you can love the one you're with."
Employee engagement is about more than good feelings. A landmark 2006 study by the Gallup Management Journal estimated that a typical organization loses $3,400 in productivity for every $10,000 of payroll due to disengaged employees. "So while bottomline troubles are often said to fuel disengagement, it's really the other way around," says Emmerich.
Employers should do everything possible to improve employee engagement, building a culture of celebration and service in which employees feel valued. But if employees are still determined to wallow in complaints, Emmerich says, employers have a ready alternative–the willing, motivated, highly-skilled unemployed.
"If I were unemployed in this market, I would approach potential employers saying, 'Listen, you can ask me to do anything. I'm committed, I'm focused, and you'll never have to put up with whining, complaining, or dishonesty from me.' With engagement numbers at an all-time low, the ability to be an engaged and satisfied employee becomes a marketable skill, and the unemployed can use it to take jobs away from those who don't appreciate them," she says.
Roxanne Emmerich is the author of Thank God It's Monday!: How to Create a Workplace You and Your Customers Love. Visit the TGIM Media Center at www.ThankGoditsMonday.com/media for more information.
