The survey results below first came out in 1946 in Foreman Fact, from the Labor Relations Institute of NY and was produced again by Lawrence Lindahl in Personnel magazine in 1949. This study has since been replicated with similar results by Ken Kovach (1980); Valerie Wilson, Achievers International (1988); Bob Nelson, Blanchard Training & Development (1991); and Sheryl & Don Grimme, GHR Training Solutions (1997-2001).
Pay particular interest to the top three things managers thought employees want from their jobs, and then look at what employees said they REALLY want:
What Managers Think Employees Want
According to the study, below are the things managers think employees want, starting with the most important:
- Good wages
- Job Security
- Promotion and growth opportunities
- Good working conditions
- Interesting work
- Personal loyalty to workers
- Tactful discipline
- Full appreciation for work done
- Sympathetic understanding of personal problems
- Feeling in on things
What Employees Say They Want
Starting with the most important, below is the list of what employees say they want:
- Full appreciation for work done
- Feeling in on things
- Sympathetic understanding of personal problems
- Job security
- Good wages
- Interesting work
- Promotion and growth opportunities
- Personal loyalty to workers
- Good working conditions
- Tactful discipline
Bridging the Gap
You can see there is quite a discrepancy. This indicates the value of the intangible rewards of appreciation, involvement and understanding. An important benefit is that the top 3 things employees want are all influenced by the relationship with their direct manager or supervisor.
Show your employees you truly value them, and never underestimate how important you are in maintaining a strong workforce and retaining your best talent!
