According to a recent survey from a sample of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers regarding the benefits and challenges employees face in the workplace, over 54% said they were highly satisfied and engaged in their career (WITI and 451 Research, 2017)! Although this number is higher than the average (about 30% engagement), that still leaves another 46% of STEM employees who are not highly satisfied in their careers, which means that organizations are missing out on opportunities for their employees to excel in their roles.
The Importance of Development for Employee Satisfaction
Another interesting statistic arose in the survey that nearly 70% of respondents said ‘opportunity’ was an important factor in their professional advancement. This reinforced the idea that employees don’t want to stay stationary in their roles, they want skills and opportunity that make them more marketable to grow their careers and personal/professional development. Respondents even reported that when given these opportunities, it impacted their success significantly. This clearly shows that when employers invest in their employees’ development and give them opportunities to grow, their success will improve, which typically means more productivity, innovation and profit for the organization.
When your employees are successful, your organization is successful!
The Impact of Recognition on Career Fulfillment
Respondents also cited that recognition from management and career advancement were at the top of those opportunities that made an impact on their fulfillment. When your employees are happy and fulfilled, they are more likely to give you their discretionary energy, motivation and engagement to fulfill the goals and values of your organization, and successfully serve both your internal and external customers. And when they are recognized (and rewarded) for their positive behaviors, this has a further positive impact on their success and your business success.
If You’re Not Learning, You’re Not Growing
Among those challenges and inhibitors reported in the survey, lack of opportunity for promotion was listed as a factor from ALL respondents. About one fifth of respondents cited a lack of job skills as an inhibitor for their careers, which supports the need for on the job training and learning to help improve overall career satisfaction.
As an employee, what factors do you use to measure your career fulfillment and success? Share in the comments below.
If you are a leader or manager, what do you do to develop and recognize your employees so that they feel fulfilled in your organization?