Inspired ideas to create the best places to work

As you know, I believe not enough employers use R.E.D. (Recognition Every Day) and, as a result, the researchers tell us that 10s of billions of dollars disappear from lost productivity.

Ernst & Young Productivity Pulse claims that as much as $308 billion evaporates from the Australian economy annually as a result of people being ‘disengaged’. That is, they hate their employer and will do anything to disrupt them.

A survey revealed 80% of all Australian employees say that they could be more productive in their roles, and they blame four things for ‘not doing their best work’.

1. Staff engagement (disengagement is infectious – if others around them hate working at the business it is hard for them to do their best work)

2. Wellbeing

3. Motivation

4. Workplace recognition

Logic would tell us that all four reasons are intertwined. At RedBalloon, we say people are far more likely to do their best work when:

“People know what they are there to do, they feel part of something bigger than themselves, someone notices their contribution and they go home feeling like a winner.” 

People management issues (i.e. bad managers) have the biggest impact on engagement. Employees want to be able to respect their manager or supervisor – to believe in them, trust them and be inspired by them.

Think about what you are doing today at your workplace. If you are not doing your best work, perhaps you could encourage your HR team or other leaders to attend one of our Inspired Ideas workshops  in Melbourne and Sydney. One by one, I’m committed to transforming Australian workplaces.

What can you do about these things at your workplace? A little recognition could help!

Naomi Simson has received many accolades and awards for the business she founded, RedBalloon.com.au, including the 2011 Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year – Industry.