It takes more than just money to create a happy workforce, in Hong Kong, the US or anywhere else
Kelly Yang says there is much companies can do to make work challenging and engaging, beginning with inspiring leadership, as a good salary isn't the only reason employees stay
When it comes to their jobs, most Hong Kong people are unhappy. According to a recent report by a jobs website, more than six in 10 Hong Kong people are miserable at work. And contrary to what you may think, it's not just because of the money.
Instead, the unhappiness has more to do with the relationships with their colleagues and bosses. And while some experts were quick to dismiss the findings, saying "you can never satisfy employees", I disagree.
It's possible to have happy employees - not only that, it's essential.
After all, today's companies rise and fall not just on the quality of their products but also on what people think of them. That starts first with their employees. All it takes is for one indignant status update to go viral, and it's good luck with finding new recruits.
Today's companies rise and fall not just on the quality of their products but also on what people think of them
It takes more than money, according to research by Professor Barry Schwartz, of Swarthmore College in the United States. He found that, increasingly, workers also want to feel challenged and engaged.
Schwartz found that firms that offer interesting and meaningful work, over which employees had some autonomy and discretion, not only produced happier workers but were ultimately more profitable.
