Small Business Management: Key Issues That Make Employees Passionate

In a time of vast economic uncertainties and dwindling budgets, companies are pressed to attract and hire the best employees while ensuring they stay committed to the organization. The results of a new study by The Ken Blanchard Companies^® detail the importance of what is often called “Employee Passion,” as well as what organizations need to focus on to keep their people passionate about what they do and where they work.

Employee Passion: The New Rules of Engagement was designed to determine what truly defines Employee Passion, and create a reliable measure of the factors that influence passion in the workplace. The eight key factors found in the study are:

• Meaningful Work—people feel that their work is worthwhile and is connected to a larger purpose.
• Collaboration—an environment exists where motivation and inspiration are prevalent, and people work together to succeed.
• Fairness—the leadership and the organization itself treat both the employee and the customer fairly and justly.
• Autonomy—the management style is collaborative and participative.
  Recognition—people are praised and appreciated.
• Growth—opportunities exist for people to learn and grow professionally, and develop skills that lead to advancement.
• Connectedness with Leader—having a solid relationship with one’s leader.
• Connectedness with Colleagues—having a strong relationship with colleagues and coworkers.

As the economy heads towards an uncertain future, it is critical for companies to hire employees that will stay committed and enthusiastic. Continually replacing and rehiring employees is an arduous process that costs the organization time and money. If a company is able to find the right people and create an atmosphere where Employee Passion can take hold, an opportunity is created to save critical resources. The findings of the Blanchard study show that in order for companies to attract and keep effective employees, they must provide meaningful work, autonomy, recognition, collaboration, room for growth, and create an environment where people can connect with their leaders and colleagues. For more information regarding this study, visit www.kenblanchard.com.