What is the Great Gloom?
BambooHR recently released an Employee Happiness Index, which studied Employer Net Promoter Scores or eNPS. eNPS measures employee loyalty and how your staff feel about your company.
The main takeaway from the index was that employees have never been more unhappy. According to BambooHR, "From the start of 2020 through the present, employee happiness has steadily declined at a rate of 6%. But 2023 has seen a steep and steady drop, with a decrease of 9% in eNPS since January, declining at a rate 10x faster than the previous three years."
So which Industries were the unhappiest?
- Healthcare: Saw a 40% decline since 2020, the unhappiest sector. This can be for a number of reasons, but the general consensus seems to be healthcare workers feeling that they are inadequately paid for their work.
- Education: The study found educators feeling overworked and underpaid, with no appreciation for the work they do.
- Travel & Hospitality: The pandemic hit these industries hard, and although employee happiness is slowly improving due to its recovery from covid-19, staff shortages add extra pressure to existing employees.
And which were the happiest?
- Construction: The Construction sector was found to be the happiest industry, as wages are rising and employment is in demand with bountiful opportunities.
- Technology: Technology was the second happiest from the study, however employee happiness is decreasing at an alarming rate. This can be attributed to many employers requiring their workers to work in the office, rather than remote.
- Finance: The Finance industry remains nimble and responsive to workplace changes. It also seems to be focused on company culture and receptiveness of remote working.
So what does this mean for employers and employees?
Employers should:
- Prioritise Employee Experience: rather than focus solely on what your employees can offer you, focus also on what you can offer your employees; engagement, benefits and well-being initiatives.
- Nurture Holistic Growth: Shift focus from just skills to the complete individual. Encourage personal growth and development alongside professional advancement, allowing employees to flourish in various aspects of their lives.
- Open Channels of Communication: Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns. Regular feedback sessions can help employers understand and address issues more effectively.
Employees should:
- Voice Your Needs: Don't hesitate to communicate your needs to your employer. Your well-being matters, and expressing your concerns can lead to positive changes in the workplace.
- Embrace Growth Opportunities: Seek personal and professional growth in equal measure. Engage in initiatives that help you excel both in your career and as a well-rounded individual.
- Foster Connections: Build meaningful relationships with colleagues. Social support can significantly contribute to your overall happiness and job satisfaction.
So how can we help?
As you may know, our sister company Induction AppTM has re-invented the way employees are inducted.
The Induction App is uniquely positioned to address the issues raised in the great gloom:
- Comprehensive Onboarding: The Induction App focuses not only on skills but also on introducing new employees to the company culture and values. This contributes to a positive employee experience from day one.
- Personalised Development: The Induction App offers personalized learning paths, allowing employees to grow personally and professionally. This aligns with the concept of holistic growth highlighted in the article.
- Effective Communication: The Induction App's tools facilitate open dialogue between employees and employers. We've even built in a happiness meter at strategic check-in points to monitor engagement and ensure that any concerns are picked up and addressed promptly.
Remember, employees are more than their skills – they are whole individuals who deserve a work environment that values their well-being as much as their professional contributions.
Get in touch with us now and let's talk about enhancing your employees' experiences.
