Workforce experts estimate that the cost of replacing a worker 
is 1.5 times the annual salary of the worker.  To minimize your 
turnover costs and maintain a productive workplace, employers 
need to look beyond the salary and benefits.

Work can be a satisfying and positive experience for your 
employees when their work expectations are being met.  Salary and 
benefits are the obvious compensations that an employee expects 
from his or her employer, but there are a host of immaterial 
things that can provide job satisfaction.  Whether you, as an 
employer, are considering a new hire or trying to retain current 
employees, there are four key factors that can help make work a 
positive experience.


Environment

Many employees expect a pleasant work environment.  No one wants 
to wake up each morning dreading going to work.  Do your workers 
prefer a low-stress environment that has a social atmosphere? 
Perhaps you should consider assigning projects that require 
teamwork and personal interaction.  However, different 
personalities expect different types of work environments.  Some 
people work better under pressure and welcome the opportunity to 
be challenged.  Giving workers the opportunity to express their 
ideas in a workplace that emphasizes results over personal 
relationships may give them satisfaction.


Structure vs. Independence

Structure is an integral part of the workplace for some 
employees.  Perhaps they like to know that certain resources are 
available to them.  Providing workers with specific timelines, 
procedures, or guidelines may be beneficial to them when 
completing a project or problem-solving.  Some people, however, 
expect to work independently.  They may want to set their own 
priorities or use their methods of problem-solving.  Granting 
freedom to take on new responsibilities or to streamline current 
procedures might be a way to keep your employees happy.


Work vs. Personal Life

Most employees expect a certain balance between work and personal 
life.  They have commitments outside of work and feel that work 
should not distract them from fulfilling those commitments. 
Assure your employees that you understand their commitment to 
their families and other activities.  Let them know that work 
will not interfere with their personal life, but also that you 
expect high standard of job performance.


Career Growth

Having a career is important to many people in today’s society. 
If your employees enjoy their job, invest a lot of time and 
effort, and succeed at it, they probably expect to get rewarded. 
The reward doesn’t always have to be monetary; sometimes a new 
job title, increased responsibility, or other incentives will 
provide the positive reinforcement they desire.  Career-minded 
employees probably want to gain new experiences and increase 
their set of job skills, making themselves more marketable to 
other employers.  Making sure your employees know there are 
opportunities for advancement may keep them satisfied and keep 
them with your company.

Once you have identified the things that can make work a positive 
experience for your employees, you must keep the lines of 
communication open.  Your employees may never be satisfied in 
their current positions if their work expectations are not 
met. As an employer, you understand the high cost of employee 
turnover.  If you want to retain your employees, learn what their 
work expectations are and do what you can to increase their job 
satisfaction, making work a positive experience.
 

Written by: Eric Fox
Work Expectations article produced by Corexcel.  
Corexcel specializes in online continuing education and workforce 
training.  For more information about Corexcel and the training 
materials they offer, visit http://www.corexcel.com.