The Six-Month Itch!

The idea of 'quality employment' among generations of workers................

Lack of quality employment/job satisfaction forces dwindling enthusiasm at work, both for the older and younger workers alike
Both younger and older employees show a remarkable decline in their job satisfaction levels right within the first six months of their employment
Veterans, Baby boomers, Generation Xers, Millennials. ..! They are four different generations with varied work styles, attitudes and work preferences. While the first two generations believed in loyalty towards their employers, the latter thrust their loyalty towards their career...more so the millennials. All these differences have proved over decades what we call the 'generational gap'! That's old story. Ripping apart differences, is a commonality among them...their idea of a 'quality employment' or a 'good job'! Lack of it forces dwindling enthusiasm at work, both for the older and younger workers alike.

Sirota Survey Intelligence examined the overall job satisfaction of workers across generations. Emphasis was on employee treatment in line with the basic conditions of employment. Results showed that only 14 percent of employers have enthusiastic employees in their workforce. This was largely a result of their tenure on the job rather than generational differences. It was found through the survey that both younger and older employees showed a remarkable decline in their job satisfaction levels right within the first six months of their employment.

Job dissatisfaction - a few reasons
Let's see a few reasons why employees show a decline in their job satisfaction levels within six months of their employment.
Employer attitude and behaviour: The way management treats its employees, its attitude and behaviour towards them, in general, the 'company culture' determines the enthusiasm levels of employees to a great extent. Irresponsible behaviour of management would result in a decline in enthusiasm.
Unmet needs of employees: An employee's previous work experience, career stage and life stage, all define his present needs at workplace. Lack of need satisfaction measures at organisations keeps employees unhappy and demotivated. Lack of appropriate recognition and rewards, poor vacation policy and such other issues undoubtedly keep employee enthusiasm levels dipping .
Monotonous tasks and responsibilities: Unchallenging assignments, routine tasks and responsibility without commensurate authority can all lead to waning enthusiasm. Dropping enthusiasm levels can only harm employee productivity, thereby resulting in negative growth of the company.
A Jewish proverb goes, "Drive your horse with oats, not with a whip". Experts therefore suggest a few techniques both for the employer and the employed to reignite the lost passion for work and make the workplace a haven.

Rekindling passion
For employers - Appreciate a good job done immediately: Pat employees immediately for a good job done. Immediate feedback gives better results than unending wait until the annual performance reviews. More importantly, displaying enthusiastic feelings overtly about the good job is essential. Whoever said that non-verbal communication forms a major share of good communication habits was not wrong!
Make trust the key word: Trust employees that they will successfully complete a given assignment. Employer trust builds up enthusiasm levels by volumes.
For employees - Think of positive examples: Inspiring stories and positive lessons of others keep your enthusiasm clock ticking. The more the number of stories, the better motivated you will be. Find employers who allow your passions find direction and keep you more engaged in your work and inculcate the participative approach in you. Don't just think of a job, think of a positive contributor towards achieving the mission of your company.
Reason out 'why': List reasons why you have taken up your job and put it up at a place where your vision reaches frequently. Identify the top motivating factors and remain glued to them. More importantly, identify the demotivating factors and work towards eliminating them. Keep a journal of your progress and make suitable changes accordingly.
Leave behind doubts and hesitations: Waiting for somebody backstage to rekindle passion in you? The wait is worthless because passion comes from within you. The key lies in recognising it and putting forward yourself without doubts and hesitations.
Commit yourself to work relentlessly: Plan your work. Planning gives stability and certainty. Plan to commit yourself to increase passion gradually. Belief in your plan and proper execution will take you ahead.
Believe in yourself: "Is it going to work?" and "How is it going to work?" There's only one additional word in the latter question...'how'. And that simple word makes a world of difference in achieving something. It's all about your attitude that determines largely your success at work and of course in life.

So friends , how do you plan to reignite your passion for work and improve your quality of life?