The average workweek is even longer today.
A recent Gallup poll tells us we now work 47 hours a week on average. That is a large portion of a week spent doing either a job you love or hate.
One way or another, your work has an effect on every other area of your life.
Here are five things unhappy employees want their company to understand. When a business understands these things, changes can be made that benefits everyone.
1. They’re more than a number.
When you look at an employee as the amount of money they can make — or a number on our employee ID — the employee feels it.
They are more than numbers; they are real people who have a life, family, and a desire to make a better life for ourselves.
Treat them like people and they will work hard in their jobs.
2. You can make things better.
We understand that there are things that are out of your control. However, there are things you can do to make work less miserable for your employees.
Treating them with respect and as if we’re more than a number is a great start to making things better.
3. Your words help or hurt.
We understand you’re in charge but you should understand how words affect each employee.
Making them feel like they’re low does not help their performance. Kind and professional words don’t take any more effort but make a big difference.
4. Leadership is more than words.
Actions speak louder than words. You tell your employees what to do by how you lead. Strong leadership comes from a place of service.
Don’t try to beat your team into submission. Lead and they will follow.
5. It takes teamwork to build a company.
Even amazing leaders can only build a company on their own for so long.
It takes a team of people who are willing and committed to what the company’s vision is. When you treat employees poorly, you affect that spirit of teamwork.
If you’re an unhappy employee, know that you can do something about your work situation.
I’m not saying it will be easy but you can find or create work you love. Life is short and time is something we’ll never get back.
47 hours a week is too long to spend miserable.
If you lead or own a company, treat your employees well and your business will grow. Real leadership comes from a place of working with those you lead.
Work doesn’t have to be miserable.
Navigating Change
In a workforce and society that’s dealing with the impact of the Coronavirus, businesses need a radically different approach.
Teams now work remotely. That means, more than ever, you’ll need a team that’s invested in the growth of your organization.
This happens when your team feels supported, respected, and has everything they need to thrive.
This is the time when some companies will thrive and some will close. You determine which by the strategic moves you’re making and the type of organization you’re building.
Are you creating unhappy employees? Are you an unhappy employee?