Do
we take our jobs for granted? In a recent study conducted
by SHRM, they found 63% rate job security as the most important
aspect of job satisfaction. The only time job security was
rated this high was during our last recession.
Over
the past year we all have witnessed friends loosing their
jobs. Some of us were the messengers but even worse, some
of us were the receivers. The loss of our job not only impacts
the pocket book but our own feeling of self-worth.
Franklin
D. Roosevelt knew this when he created the Works
Projects Administration (WPA), in the 1930's. Not only
was FDR trying to get the country back on it's feet, but he
understood the importance jobs play in the continued belief
that we all have a valuable role to play in the game of life.
Today, we can still appreciate their accomplishments in our
state and national parks. Many of these stone walls, bridges
and road date back to WPA. But more than these outward signs,
millions of Americans discovered renewed self respect. Maybe
we should create some new WPA projects today?
We've
all heard the quote, “If it's to be, its up to me”. Isn't
it time for New Year's resolutions? I could start by thanking
my fellow worker for being a part of my team; not just today
but put it on your calendar to thank someone every week or
recognize someone in your weekly meetings. Maybe I could use
my skills as an HR Professional to assist someone in transition
by reviewing their resume or perhaps I could become a retention
champion for my company by interviewing everyone who has been
employed in the past few years to see how we could improve
the process. I could also be a bit more courteous to those
individuals who are applying for work.
For
the larger community, maybe I could be a little bit more patient
on my way to and from work and yield to that driver as they
enter the freeway? (Wouldn't they be shocked?) Maybe I could
volunteer to assist at our place of worship with children's
activities or assist our favorite non-profits charity by accepting
that board position or sending a check?
As
a company, perhaps we could do more for our own displaced
workers. Could we organize networking meetings to assist our
fellow workers in their search or publicize sites where they
might find help? Maybe I could even volunteer as a resource
to help at in-transition meetings?
If
our jobs are that important what would we do if we only had
one more month to be here? As we begin the 2010, let's make
a conscious choice of appreciating the value of work in our
lives.
Back
to the library
Reproduction
of this article cannot be accomplished without the expressed
consent of Human Resource Staffing. Don Schmitz is a popular
speaker and writer on all aspects of HR and CEO of Human Resource
Staffing. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration
and Human Development.
Contact Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
952 854 6040
