Having a strong interest in workplace satisfaction, psychologist Frederick Herzberg created the Two-Factor Theory. It explores how motivators and displeasing factors influence employee job satisfaction. Being aware of complaints and resolving them takes away the barriers to self-actualization and success, creating a happier, more productive work space.
Motivators are the intrinsic rewards that a person craves. Drivers such as performance, opportunity for growth, self-actualization, and recognition can influence how satisfied an employee feels with their job. On the contrary, hygiene factors such as salary, the physical workplace, and relationships with peers and superiors are the extrinsic factors that have the power to decrease happiness in the workplace.
Until hygienic needs are met in the office, employees will not be motivated to do well. Here at Radial, we make sure that our employees have a welcoming place to work. Perks such as a variety of snack options, an in-house massage chair, six weeks PTO, weekly stress-relief activities, and the flexibility to work remotely, take a sick day, or go for a walk and grab some coffee ensure that our needs are taken care of. We care about our team, and believe that we do our best when we feel our best.
As an employee, it’s important to voice what you believe could be improved within your job. Whether you’re looking for a bigger paycheck or more opportunities to develop professional relationships within the office, management can’t read your mind. From the management standpoint, regularly seeking feedback from your employees will encourage them to voice complaints, making it easier to resolve them and develop a work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and satisfied.
At Radial, employees are encouraged to voice any issues they might be struggling with at anytime, and Retro is just one example of that. Retro is a weekly meeting that gives us time to reflect and discuss how we felt about our progress and overall feelings of the week. It’s a safe space for people to share what they’re struggling with and have that problem immediately addressed. This leads to constant improvements, a consistent communication flow, and maximized happiness of our employees.
In order to establish a thriving workplace, management should listen to employees and take action to meet their needs. If employees have their extrinsic needs met, they will be in the correct mindset to focus on their work and feel motivated to grow and succeed within the company.