What is important to the employees in their work?

A number of surveys have been carried out in different occupations and the results in order of preference generally are very much the same. These include:

• An interesting job.
• Appreciation for the work that is done.
• Being involved in the job - This is important because it does provide people with considerable motivation particularly if owners and managers are prepared to listen and take note.
• A good salary or wage for the job which in it self provides a considerable amount of the basic security need.
• Confidence and trust - this further promotes motivation and in particular self esteem.
• Incentives - these range from increased rewards financially, through bonus schemes to the sense of personnel achievement and gratification from the boss.
• A good environment in which to work.
• Good office facilities.

If as an employer or manager you provide education then it is quite pertinent to ask the question "How do I benefit"? Such benefits would include:

• More consistent standards of work.
• You have more confidence in the staff.
• The system of pig farming becomes more efficient.
• The system is much better maintained.
• There are fewer disasters or mistakes.
• There is a great deal more staff motivation and therefore work practices become more efficient.
• The staff become aware of their responsibilities when working with people and they are much more flexible.
• There is a much lower staff turn over.

• There is more involvement in the job.
• There is better understanding of objectives and goals and greater achievement.
• There is a great deal more job satisfaction and more motivation.
• Confidence in abilities develops.
• There is a status of being skilled.
• Skills can be documented and thereby recognised.
• The prospects of achievement become apparent and through this, enhancement of the job position.
• There are less accidents at work.

Characteristics of a good owner/manager

• Manages people well with skill and understanding.
• Has as much interest in people as in the work.
• Demonstrates technical competence.
• Has good business and financial skills.
• Is able to motivate people and provide education.
• Is a good communicator and aware of peoples needs.
• Has good organisational competence.
• Is a clear decision maker having listened to the various relevant thoughts from people.
• Provides a good work experience.
• Gives employees an opportunity to contribute to the debate.
• Always gives a perception of responsibility.
• Provides a challenge and encouragement.
• Rewards people through personal achievement, recognition, authority, status and pay.
• Provides a constant and enthusiastic environment within which the employees can work.
• Makes every effort to ensure that the employees are involved in all planning and decision making and in particular has the quality to go and ask questions and listen.
• Involves people in their job. This is one of the highest priorities in most employees.
• Always creates an atmosphere of constant good relationships where employees are not frightened to communicate their ideas or indeed their feelings about their job.
• Provides a clear avenue for the expressions of frustrations and any on going problems.
• Expects and receives excellent performance from the staff and conveys a belief that they are capable of carrying this out.
• Should say "thank you - well done", often.
• It is interesting to note that the successful managers are those that have a sense of personal fulfilment. This also creates an excellent environment for employees.