Ever since we are little, we are conditioned to think about what we want to be when we grow up (which really means what we want to do for work). As a kid, we start out dreaming big. We want to be a firefighter and face danger; we want to be a doctor and save lives; we want to help people. As we get older though, money often comes into the picture. Your career path may change based on salary, but if you’re lucky it doesn’t have to.
One of the generational shifts that have occurred in Millennials and Gen Z, is that they increasingly want to do work that makes them happy. For them, it’s not just about paying the bills and buying things — it’s about being fulfilled, feeling challenged and even making a difference. And chances are, those who don’t currently feel that way about their job want to. This desire for happiness at work is a departure from previous decades, where most people just worked to live.
What does this mean for employers?
Many prospective hires are now looking for more than free lunches and casual Fridays. Employees want to be personally, professionally and emotionally fulfilled. They want to know there is room to grow, space to be creative, and a company culture that will support them.
Employers – work hard to ensure employee happiness. Sure, that can include fun perks and foosball tables, but it’s deeper than that. It’s creating a positive, collaborative, and supportive culture. It’s having a finger on the pulse of your team and taking action if someone is unhappy or struggling.
High turnover rates will be a big red flag for potential employees. As a leader, you need to make it worth people’s while to stay at your company. You can no longer assume company loyalty, so give your employees myriad reasons to stay.
In it for the long haul
Long gone are the days where people stayed in a job they disliked for years. It’s no longer frowned upon to have short dates next to jobs on your resume. We can see this especially with millennials, who do more job hopping than generations before them.
Remember, a career is a marathon, not a sprint. While it’s important not to be complacent and stay in a miserable job, it’s also critical to take time to breathe and grow. If you approach it as a sprint, you may start to resent the work you previously enjoyed. Make sure that while you’re finding your job satisfaction, you’re also learning and setting yourself up for career development and advancement.
At the end of the day, we’re all in charge of our own career happiness and company success. So put in the effort, go after what you want, and enjoy the satisfaction that follows. At StellaPop, we have the power to get things done. Finding the right people the first time is critical. Call us, let’s have coffee and chat about your talent needs.
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