What Employees Want – Checklist of 15

What do employees really want from their management, from the organization they work for? We ask this question of hundreds of people we meet in training programs my organization conducts, in consultancy or organizational development work we do with organizations of all shades and sizes, across various industries and sectors whether for profit, government or not-for-profit. We get some key messages that show that irrespective of status, function, organization, industry, or circumstance, most employees have surprisingly common expectations…

Here are the top ones organized according to category:

Communication

• Information flows openly between management and employees
• I have enough opportunity to let management know how I feel.
• We have weekly departmental meetings with the big boss present too

The presence of the “big boss” is always a plus. Employees want to be able to meet their manager’s manager every now and then.

Fairness, Trust, Respect, Honesty

• My performance is evaluated fairly.
• Management treats employees with respect.
• My supervisor is open and honest with employees.

In this category, “respect” plays a key role.

Inspiration, Guidance, Direction

• My supervisor provides ample opportunity for me to upgrade my skills.
• My supervisor is competent at doing his/her job.
• Management practices what they preach

Support, Facilities, Enabling Environment

• I have the resources (e.g., tools, equipment, skills) I need to do my job.
• We have enough people to get the work done.
• My company encourages a balance between work and outside activities.

Significance, Acknowledgement, Recognition, Contribution

• My ideas and opinions count at work.
• My supervisor recognizes and rewards good performance.
• My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment.

Ok, so now you have a checklist of 15 things to test and validate against in your own organization or team.  When your people get what they want, you win!