Why are people changing jobs so quickly these days? Here are a few reasons why:They have a boring job therefore they feel they are not achieving anything. They have no leader to follow. They feel unappreciated. They work long hours and want a life. They are not paid what they are worth. The above reasons are not taken from any figures or facts stated in publications and general media. This is what
people themselves tell me. They are words from coal face, real people…managers, personal assistants, administrative staff, sales people; regular run-of-the mill people.
It doesn't take much to retain valuable people and one of easiest ways is to offer flexibility.
Where is Family Friendly Workplace?
One of my clients - John - who is a manager in a large organisation - was telling me that his wife Mary, an accountant recently changed jobs, from working part-time in a suburban practice to full-time in city. She did this as a career move as she couldn't find stimulating work part-time in suburbia. (I'm sure many women can relate to that).
Having two children - 7 and 4, she leaves for work when they're still asleep in morning and arrives home around 6.30 p.m. at night.
Luckily her husband works locally and can handle morning care and has his in-laws do afternoon care. His wife is already feeling stressed, tired and guilty because she cannot be around for her kids.
How easy would it be for an employer to offer more flexibility say 3 days a week start at 10.00 a.m., 3 afternoons finish at 4.00 p.m. Mary wouldn't mind a cut in her pay packet - she just wants to balance her life.
At this rate, Mary will not remain too long with her current employer as she will find long hours will take their toll. It's even harder for single parents. Not to mention long-term effect it has on person and their kids. A grumpy, tired and stressed person doesn't make for a good productive employee or parent.
Think Laterally
Why isn't there more flexibility in workplace? Just because people 'start' at 9.00 a.m. and 'finish' at 5.00 p.m. (I know some of you work longer hours), doesn't mean people actually 'work'.
In fact 80% of day is generally non-productive. To find out exactly where your time goes, fill in a timesheet for one week (email us and we'll send you one of ours). Record what you have done for a full working week and you will be amazed where you spend your time. In most instances you will find your time is taken up by various interruptions, many of which can be avoided,non-productive meetings, and activities which generally are a waste of time.
