What workers want
Like little elves at play?
A happy worker is a productive worker. Find out more about worker happiness.
"I'm a big fan of human capital, and know how important it is for workers to feel confident, motivated, and part of something. These days, employers can't just buy people with wages – workers want to be informed and involved."
Happiness at work isn't just a matter of emotions – it's an economic issue too. In an employment market where skills are in short supply, workers want more than just a good wage. They want good working conditions and a healthy work/life balance. In return, the economic health of an organisation benefits from workers who are more involved in the job and have greater say over what they do and when they do it.
In this programme, PY Gerbeau introduced three cutting edge examples of how organisations are tackling the economic issue of worker happiness head-on: Cellular Operations, a new call centre in Swindon housed in a wildly modern building dubbed 'the happiest workplace in Britain'; Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon where a Work/Life Balance scheme is improving the quality of life for health workers; and the National Theatre where a Dignity at Work project is having a positive impact on worker happiness.
"Remuneration is about more than wages. People need to consider the wider picture: working conditions, training opportunities, new challenges and prospects for promotion. Making jobs attractive is really what it's all about!"
Worker happiness is important no matter what job you do.
"Working with good people gives me my kick. In the business of corporate rescue, success relies a lot on people relationships, people management. Corporations have very short memories – people don't."
Content last updated: 15/06/2002
