NewsWire: 3/16/22
- In a tight labor market, employers are eager to show workers that they care. Whether it’s chocolates or letters of appreciation, managers are going all out. (The New York Times)
- NH: LinkedIn recently noticed its workforce was burned out. So it started the LiftUp! initiative. The program includes internal music festivals, days without meetings, and increased time off. And while this may seem like a cash-flush tech company throwing around money, it's actually part of a larger trend.
- Companies across America are going out of their way to make sure employees feel appreciated. These efforts often take the form of gift-giving: free food, gift cards, and small gadgets. Other businesses have focused their efforts on giving praise. Sunglass Hut hosts an internal app where employees send messages of appreciation. And McKinsey recently hosted a “thank-a-thon,” in which employees sent each other thank you notes.
- Undoubtedly, some of this is the result of the tight labor market. Employers are trying to keep workers from leaving by boosting morale. (See “Reasons Americans Aren’t Working.”) In a 2017 survey by Office Team, two-thirds of workers said they would quit their jobs “if they didn’t feel appreciated by their manager.”
- There is also a generational component at play. Millennials value feedback and regular encouragement. For many young workers, praise from upper management is an important motivator. Of course, this makes many Gen-X managers roll their eyes. But if it prevents burnout, is a free taco really too much of an ask? (See "Millennials Are Writing the Book on Burnout.")
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