Hiring – the New Mood Ring
Gallup uses a well-being index that classifies Americans as “thriving,” “struggling,” or “suffering” to rate their current state according to a ladder scale. Not surprisingly, the percentage of folks classifying themselves as thriving shrank at the end of 2008, when the recession really took hold, and shrank again in the second quarter of 2009. Since then, positive ratings of employees at companies that are hiring have grown, but have remained flat at companies that are letting go.
Does hiring really equal happy? I suspect not. I think hiring is a visible sign of a company’s stability and viability, and this sign helps employees feel a little more secure, thus improving their overall attitude. This isn’t surprising. Employee engagement 101 tells us that a positive work environment influences employees’ attitudes. And a positive attitude most likely boosts motivation and productivity, so “thriving” is good both for the individual and for the company.
There are other ways besides hiring that can lead to thriving employees. Whether you’re a CEO, manager, or a worker on the front lines, focusing your energies on the positives and thinking more about opportunities than about lurking threats can make a big difference on outlook. Then, take it a step further. Open communication, transparency, regular strategy updates and good old fashioned candor are all elements that help ensure a healthy and positive corporate culture. And in Captrat’s work with clients on employee communications and engagement, we can attest they work.
So think about ways to help promote thriving employees even if you’re not in a position to hire. The results will make everyone happy.
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