Growing up, I thought everyone hated going to work. I always felt invisible, as an hourly employee, and no one ever asked my opinion or knew my name.  At social gatherings and amongst friends, work was rarely mentioned because it was very separate from who we were, or how we identified. We never  thought to ask about work.

That was a long time ago.

When  I ventured out in the world years later,  I met people who loved their jobs. I discovered that the workplace could be different. With the help of mentors, I found my passion for helping leaders create great workplaces, where diversity is important to the business, and  people at every level feel valued for what they bring.

Your reputation is built on how people feel about its culture, and their ability to succeed in the organization. If your employees love the culture, they’ll spread that love to their customers who in turn will spread the word to the social media universe. Long-term financial success is directly related to a long-term culture of inclusion with you as a great leader.

It’s the culture of an organization that motivates people to want to jump out of bed and get to work every day. It’s the culture of an organization that makes employees want to do their best work over and over. And it’s the leaders of organizations that envision, enact and engage people at every level to contribute to that culture.

When people in organizations can articulate the culture, know the written and unwritten norms, and have a structure to work within, they have a lot more freedom to be creative, are more secure and make better decisions on their own.

Most of our new clients have been start-ups, and small or medium size businesses in growth mode, who want to “get it right” from the beginning. They want to avoid vagueness, and maintain their culture as they grow while making adjustments for change.

What Makes People Jump Out of Bed to Come to Work Every Day

Over the last twenty years, I’ve asked thousands of employees at every level and in every industry I’ve worked, “What would make you jump out of bed every day to come to work.

While there are differences related to industry, size and work function, here are seven of the most consistent responses.

(Email or call us if you want the whole list,  Simma@Simmalieberman.com 510.697.8226))

 

* People greet me when I come to work, and are happy to see me. I feel a sense of belonging.

* My manager asks my opinion, listens to what I have to say, and implements my best ideas.

* The people who run the company know my name and talk to me about the company.

* I feel listened to, and get recognition for my experience and skills.

* I’m comfortable interacting with everyone.

* My company doesn’t tolerate racism, gender inequity or homophobia and everyone is welcome.

* I feel part of a community and I’m seen as a whole person. I don’t have to hide who I am or think like everyone else

What are you doing to make your employees want to jump out of bed every day and come to work? Why not pick one of two of these responses and put them into practice for thirty days? After thirty days ask employees if they notice a difference in the environment. If you take action every day, your employees will feel it and do the same.