A New York Times article recently commented on some interesting research conducted by Gallup stating that just 30 percent of employees in America feel engaged in their work. In fact across 142 countries that proportion fell to only 13 percent.
The authors, who work for a consulting group partnered with Harvard Business Review also conducted a broad survey to find out what effects employee engagement. They concluded the following:
"Employees are vastly more satisfied and productive, it turns out, when four of their core needs are met: physical, through opportunities to regularly renew and recharge at work; emotional, by feeling valued and appreciated for their contributions; mental, when they have the opportunity to focus in an absorbed way on their most important tasks and define when and where they get their work done; and spiritual, by doing more of what they do best and enjoy most, and by feeling connected to a higher purpose at work." To read the original article, click here.
The article raises some interesting issues for Christians, particularly for those in management or leadership positions.
- What value do we place on those whom we lead?
- Are we prepared to take risks and change practices in our work cultures?