According to a recent week-long study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), the workplace plays a large role in the employee’s overall perceived happiness and well-being. Of the 1,714 adult respondents, more than half of the employees who reported that they did not feel valued at work were planning to look for a new job in the next year, whereas only 21 percent of those who reported feeling valued at work indicated that they would be seeking new employment.
Feeling valued on the job was closely linked to happiness and well-being: respondents who felt valued were more likely to report a variety of positive results, including feeling more engaged and satisfied, being more motivated, and reporting better mental and physical health than those respondents who did not feel valued on the job. Of those participants who reported feeling valued on the job, around 90 percent reported higher motivation and engagement, compared to only one-third of those who did not feel valued.
In determining whether or not a participant was undervalued, many factors were included, such as the level of opportunity the employee had to make decisions or be involved in decisions, the opportunities that existed for the employee to advance within the company, the option of participating in a flexible work arrangement, the adequacy of the pay from the perspective of the employee, and the non-monetary benefits being offered by the company. In total, more than 20 percent of Americans do not feel valued at work.
One of the primary reasons for dissatisfaction on the job may result from the level of stress the employee experiences. More than 40 percent of American workers reported chronic stress at work, often caused from low pay, too much overtime, and too much work. Employers who choose to create a healthier work environment for their employees are reaping the benefits of having more motivated, loyal, and engaged employees. The American Psychological Association recently recognized 11 organizations for their efforts in providing a “psychologically healthy workplace.” Winners of the 2012 Psychologically
Healthy Workplace Award include:
- Noble-Davis Consulting (Ohio)
- ReMed Recovery Care Centers (Pennsylvania)
- Certified Angus Beef (Ohio)
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
- Coconino County (Arizona)
In addition, the following companies were recognized for their best practices:
- Certified Angus Beef (Ohio)
- Chimes Delaware, Newark Vocational Facility
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
- Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus (Arkansas)
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, Northwest (Oregon)
- Koinonia Homes (Ohio)
- Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, LSS Financial Counseling Service
- Orion Associates (Minnesota)
Employee satisfaction is one of those KPIs that companies should consider when evaluating overall performance. While servicing clients is essential, there is a level of importance that goes into the workforce itself. When employees feel valued, not only does their productivity improve, but they’re more likely to stick around in the future.