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Engagement Rises as Challenge Increases

12/9/2014

3 Comments

 
Picture
Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace finds that only 13% of people around the world feel engaged at work. Silicon Valley high-flyers may lure and retain talent with perks like free massages and gourmet  buffets. But according to a recent SHRM survey “the opportunity to use skills and abilities” is now the top driver of satisfaction,

Researcher Liz Wiseman, author of Rookie Smarts, Why Leaning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work takes this finding one step further, saying, “Employees don’t just want their skills used; they want them stretched.”(http://bit.ly/workchallenge)

When Wiseman’s organization asked 1,000 people across industries to indicate their current level of on-the-job challenge and their current level of satisfaction, they found a near-linear correlation.  In other words, “As challenge level goes up, so does satisfaction.” Further investigation revealed that people who received a challenging assignment, in general, mastered it within three months and were ready for the next one.

The lesson for managers?  While pausing to appreciate success is important, employees are not happy resting for long. If employees seem restless, allow them to apply their skills to a new problem and invite them to collaborate with co-workers to increase their expertise.

We want to hear: Are you more engaged and satisfied at work when your abilities are being stretched?  Can you give us an example? Join the conversation and click "comments" on our Community of Practice Forum.

Image Credit: David Kracht https://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_kr8/

3 Comments
Julie Ireland
12/9/2014 03:16:51 am

I would agree that employees want to use their skills and be stretch. From my perspective i have changed jobs every few years purely for that reason. Once the learning curve is flattened and boredom kicks if there isn't another challenge or opportunity to stretch myself. I looking to my manager to challenge and mentor with new skills but many fail to do this. Some jobs are limiting this way and there isn't always the opportunity for challenge/project or job in the same area. Changing jobs keeps ensures there is always learning curve even if it is just a new subject but same skills.

Reply
Ann
12/6/2016 09:50:08 pm

The atmosphere is so competitive these days that I'm not sure anyone is relaxed enough to be fully engaged. I sometimes wonder if other work cultures exist where people are treated w respect.

Reply
susan
12/8/2016 09:09:52 am

Thanks Ann. Your question is so important. Engagement is so complex an issue, and reliant on multiple variables. You identify a key ingredient: respect. Hope other people in our community check in about this.

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  • Courses
    • All Courses
    • BreakThrough Conflict
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    • Self-paced video
    • Live Virtual
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    • Testimonials on Virtual Learning
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    • About the Glasers
    • Communication Capsule Blog
    • Published Research
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  • Contact