What should we value most in a job?
We spend 40 hours (maybe more) at our job every week. Work takes up a lot of space in our lives. This means that the culture we find at our place of work impacts our morale, productivity, and happiness.
Spending all day ingrained in a culture that doesn’t resemble you and your core values can drain your energy and enthusiasm for your job. Even if the perks of the job are amazing, cultural issues can make those perks lose their shine.
But have you ever stopped to think about your personal work values? Employee and employer work values, not only determine work culture but also your optimal career path.
There are both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators that can make a job more fulfilling. Intrinsic motivation occurs when people engage in tasks or activities that are personally enjoyable.
The reward is intangible and comes from within the person. Extrinsic motivators are more tangible rewards and come from an outside source such as a person’s pay.
Here are some factors you should value most in your workplace:
• Good Working Conditions
• Appreciation for Work Done
• Flexibility at Work – Work-Life Balance
• Career Advancements
• Good Benefit Package
• Competitive Salary
• Effective Management
So, before you ask for that promotion or accept your next job offer, you need to be clear on the types of work values that are most important to you. Sit down, look at your intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, rank them based on your own personal values.
When you understand what you value most, finding a career and an employer that closely fits your values can increase your job satisfaction. And since work takes up much of our time, finding a right job increases our overall happiness as well.
Work takes up a lot of time in our lives. We should be more keenly aware of what motivates and drives us, both tangible and intangible.
Xenia Hea
Financial Services Consultant
