Out of the Crisis.Org

[Louis Altazan]

Thanks to all who answered my previous post. I think every answer is right. There are a great number of reasons why an employer might wish for their employees to enjoy their work.

One is quite self centered. I think people who enjoy their work are likely to do better work, produce more, miss less work and remain with the company. Any one of these reasons could justify the resources necessary to improve most jobs, in my opinion.

Why then do so many companies seem to turn a blind eye to this vast source of improvement? Perhaps it’s short sighted management? Maybe it doesn’t fit the mold of what has been taught, with regard to management in the past? Perhaps the thought that work is not supposed to be fun is just too strong?

Increasing joy in work need not be expensive. Something as simple as learning what type jobs each employee likes best and scheduling those jobs with those employees. Allowing individuals in a company to specialize can also give them a measure of prestige and joy. Most people enjoy being looked up to. Being the resident expert in a given field can allow such an opportunity, and cost the company very little. Better still, there are no shortage of things in which people might become expert. Every staff member can be best in a given field.

Also very effective is removing barriers that currently exist. Things that keep folks from enjoying their work. Time limits, being asked to do less than their best (patch work,) excess paper work, interruptions, inaccurate equipment, lack of understanding of the purpose of the task, doing things with which the employee does not agree.

Finally, I think it is important to take time for enjoyment. A cake on the date of an employee’s anniversary with the company. Company vacations, banquets, celebrations. A wise man once told me, “If you think education is expensive, just try ignorance.” I think the same thing applies. “If you think keeping employees happy is expensive, just try disharmony.”

_________________
Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA