Increase workplace happiness: appreciate what truly drives employees in their work
Lack of appreciation and recognition ranks high on the list of things that make employees unhappy at work. With far-reaching consequences: feeling unappreciated at work leads to lower productivity, higher absenteeism, and turnover. Feeling seen, appreciated, and understood is one of our basic needs. When we do experience that, it motivates us to do our best and take on new challenges. Therefore, experiencing appreciation is of great importance.
How career anchors work for more workplace happiness
What else can you do besides giving compliments, handing out flowers as thanks, or giving a gift voucher for an impressive performance? It’s about looking at what truly drives employees in their work and utilizing that to express appreciation.
Edgar Schein, the professor and psychologist who passed away this year, emphasized the importance of awareness of career anchors for understanding inner motivation, attitude, preferences, and values. These deeply rooted motivators determine why someone chooses a certain career path and whether they are satisfied or not in their work. For more workplace happiness, these career anchors can be utilized to appreciate employees individually. According to Schein, there are 9 of them. They are explained below.
The 9 career anchors
Overview of the 9 anchors that provide insight into motivation, attitude, preference, and values. Plus, the associated appreciation.
- Wealth
The career anchor of wealth revolves around material prosperity, rewards, and financial success. Employees with this anchor are delighted with financial benefits and want to pursue similar goals.
To show appreciation to these employees, financial bonuses, profit-sharing, earning points for material benefits, and discount offers work well. Additionally, the organization can invest in programs for financial education and long-term growth within the company to emphasize the value of engagement in the long run.
- Ethics and Values
For some people, ethics guide their careers. They are more often found in meaningful sectors such as healthcare, education, and non-profit organizations. Individuals with this anchor find satisfaction in pursuing a career that aligns with their moral compass and contributes to an ethically responsible society.
These employees can be appreciated by offering them more opportunities to make a difference, closer to society. Think of encouraging corporate social responsibility or organizing fundraising or volunteer activities. Visiting the charity organization the company is affiliated with is also an idea. Afterwards, they can inspire colleagues about it. Then you can give them recognition for it.
- Creativity
Creativity as a career anchor is about expressing originality and developing innovative ideas. Individuals with this anchor seek opportunities to unleash their creative potential. They thrive in an environment that allows for imagination and innovation.
Appreciated employees when given the space to utilize their creativity, for example, in the role of a creative think tank (where they are not immediately responsible for implementation). They are also encouraged when they organize innovation workshops or when they take innovative training courses. Recognition can be given for ideas that lead to significant improvements or innovations within the organization.
- Independence
The anchor of independence reflects the desire for freedom and autonomy. People with this anchor do not want to be bound by rigid structures. They seek careers in which they can act independently, make decisions, and chart their own course.
Employees with this anchor feel appreciated when given flexibility in hours and days, when self-managing teams are formed, and remote work (‘working from Spain for a month’) is okay. They also appreciate being allowed to have multiple jobs simultaneously and the organization providing support in transitioning from a permanent position to a freelancer.
- Security
Some employees are driven by the desire for stability and security. These people seek a career that provides a sense of peace, predictability, and safety.
Appreciation is experienced when temporary contracts are converted into permanent ones faster than usual. Clarity about career paths and development plans ensures stability. Communication about long-term plans and investments in employee training contribute to a sense of security. Recognize them for the continuity they bring to the organization.
- Power
The anchor of power focuses on the desire for influence and control. Individuals with this anchor are attracted to roles where they can influence decisions and have a significant impact on others and organizations.
These employees feel appreciated when involved in decision-making processes. Think further of: being able to replace their manager in a meeting, participating in advisory groups, or becoming a member of the works council. Participation in leadership development programs can also offer growth opportunities.
- Expertise
For some, the career is about striving to excel in a specific field. Employees with this anchor find satisfaction in continually developing and demonstrating their skills. These employees feel appreciated with continuous learning and development opportunities to help them progress.
Provide them with a platform to convey their expertise, both internally and externally. Recognition can be given by showing appreciation for their expertise and assigning specialized projects.
- Social Interaction
The importance of social interactions is significant for these employees. Employees with this anchor thrive on strong relationships in the workplace. They seek career choices that enable them to collaborate and cultivate social connections. They feel appreciated when they can celebrate milestones with a group of colleagues. They enjoy organizing team activities.
For these people, there is nothing better than personal interaction with others. Truly listening to the other person’s story with undivided attention, asking with interest how things are going at home. An interested chat at the coffee machine or taking a lunch walk together.
- Status
The final career anchor, status, revolves around external recognition and prestige. People with this anchor are driven by the desire for a respected position in society. They aspire to careers that earn them a visible and appreciated status.
These individuals feel appreciated when their achievements are visible. For example, on a stage, the intranet, or in the WhatsApp group where they receive an award or badge. Appoint them as ambassadors or involve them in prestigious projects.
Discover what appreciation your employees want
By paying attention to these specific appreciation opportunities, organizations not only show recognition for their employees’ individual career anchors but also promote an inclusive and motivating work environment. It is important to understand which career anchors belong to their employees.
You can find this out by talking to them and getting to know them better. Doing a free test can be supportive in this regard. It is clear that understanding and appreciating career anchors is not only a recipe for workplace happiness but also ensures a thriving and productive work environment.
