Valentine’s Day was this weekend and whether you celebrate it or hate it, we’re looking at it slightly differently on HRzone.

 

According to research from Kenexa, 53% of UK employees don’t just like their jobs but are passionate about their work. Do you love your work? What is it about it that makes it so great?

I was told at school that I would not enjoy my job. From then on I made it my mission to find a job I love and I’ve been very fortunate to find a great profession in journalism, a great company like Siftmedia and a wonderful website and community to work with in HRzone. Lots of you have dropped by to read articles and add comments this week: it’s been great to have you here.

It was interesting to note on Tuesday when I went to the UKCES Jobs Skills Growth conference that being happy in your job isn’t always completely in your control. Ian Brinkley of the Work Foundation explained that the need to exert complete command and control over employees takes away enjoyment for them, as they don’t feel trusted to do the very thing you hired them for. If you don’t trust them, why did you hire them?

The other thing which I found intriguing was the way he described employees outgrowing their jobs. He explained that although usually people develop when in a position, the job usually remains the same. It seems obvious, but this again is clearly frustrating for an employee. Ian declared it a job design issue. Let the job and responsibility develop with the employee.

Lastly, we are also looking at appreciation. Chester Elton is back with Adrian Gostick to tell us we need to be appreciating our employees at least once a week. They make the point that we tell our spouse or children we love them almost every day (and if we don’t, we all should). Saying thank you to your employees is like saying ‘I love you’ to your partner. You need to say it often to make them feel valued. Read the article for more detail on how to build appreciation (or as they refer to it, a ‘Carrot Culture’ into your organisation). Even if you’re not policy making you can do it in your own life. Just thank people for the things they do for you. It’s easy, it’s free and it makes such a difference.

So enjoy Valentine’s day this year – why not use it to help your employees help you – trust them and thank them. And in the spirit of appreciation, thank you for reading and for being part of HRzone. It’s great to have you here.