Big salaries are the easy way out

Published by Ryan Paugh on October 4th, 2007 in Employment, Work, Work/Life | 14 Comments

After a weekend of impulse-driven expenses, Monday arrives in its predictable fashion. I should be worried about the lack of money in my wallet, but that's the last thing on my mind.

Money doesn't motivate me to go to work. There's more to it than that.

According to Beverly Smallwood, a licensed psychologist and management consultant, money is not a motivator. A great company does more than just pay well.

Make my life easier

I'm stunned by the lack of on-site services offered at top-tier companies. Maybe I've been spoiled in my corporate positions, but I can't imagine why more large corporations don't invest in services like fitness centers, dry-cleaners and on-site banking for their employees. Less off-site activity means more on-site productivity, right?

I loved working in an environment that allowed me to take a time-out at the gym. It plays right into the work/life equilibrium. It's not about the traditional notion of detaching work from play. It's just nice to experience a little bit of everything during my day. And I'm more productive for it.

Make it MY project

It's no secret that Gen-Y has a voice that demands to be heard. We have opinions, so take them seriously. Especially when it involves something you trusted us to handle.

When you ask someone to put their heart and soul into a project, it gets personal. Give your employees a sense of ownership and you'll see a better result.

Make it Fun

Despite popular belief, work and play are not polar opposites. At my last company, we had monthly staff meetings of the non-traditional form. Sure, my favorites were the happy hour excursions, but the daytime outings were a lot of fun too. Bottom line – good managers recognize the value in making these get-togethers happen.

"In a positive workplace, laughter often occurs spontaneously between co-workers," says Smallwood. "Studies show that laughter and fun in the workplaces enhance creativity, increase productivity, build teamwork, make employees mentally and physically healthier, and relieve stress."

I can't think of a better way to determine whether or not your office is fun. If your employees can laugh in the midst of chaos, you've established a fun environment worth working for.

Make it Meaningful

One of my best friends works in sales for a medical supply company. About once a quarter he and his colleagues make a trip to a group therapy session where they meet with the patients that benefit from their products. It's a long drive, but when he gets there, it's worth it.

"It's hard to find meaning in the daily grind," he says, "but when you meet the people you're ultimately helping, you know what you're doing matters."

Big corporations are tough. It's easy to distinguish yourself as nothing more than a cog when there's no tangibility to the end results. Put your employees in touch with that result and they'll find more meaning in their work.

Appreciate What I Do

I'm confident in my abilities, but that doesn't mean I don't like to hear how great I'm doing. Encouraging doesn't have to mean coddling. In fact, I think people who define it as such, probably need a few "pats on the back" themselves.

It's hard to defend the value of praise when Gen-Y is considered by some experts to be overdosed. Still, psychological studies suggest that behaviors that get noticed tend to be repeated over time.

"Over time, the feeling that your company appreciates your efforts results in both your best efforts and your loyalty," says Smallwood. "To bring out the best in your team members, expect the best, look for the best, and celebrate the best."

Quiz any corporate bigwig on their technique to retaining top talent. Their answer almost certainly boils down to one color – green.

But luring employees with a big salary is the easy way out. If you want to create a great company, one that employees brag about, offer more than a hefty paycheck.