A survey conducted by Red
Balloon for Corporate revealed that praise is the number one element employees
desire to experience a good day at work!
Although the survey was directed at professionals in the workplace, the
outcomes can also be applied to the elements of a good day/experience in
college.
Who can argue ‘praise’ as the number one element of experiencing
a good day at work or college? Praise serves to motivate and encourage! Who does not love to get back an assignment
with a comment stating, ‘excellent work’ or ‘you have an excellent
understanding of the material we’ve been covering’? Likewise, we also feel proud and motivated
when our supervisor provides praise for a job well done!
The survey went on to suggest ‘better managers’ as the
number two element of experiencing a good day at work. As a student, you may be able to parallel the
role of a supervisor to the role of your professor. When we have a caring professor that provides
plenty of praise and encouragement and takes time to ensure that new concepts
and theories are clearly understood, we are motivated and inspired to study and
do our best. Alternatively, if you have a professor or supervisor that promotes
a culture of criticism, fails to provide direction and does not recognize your
efforts and contributions, you will feel frustrated and may become apathetic in
your class or job.
The number three element identifies, ‘more time with friends
and family’ as important to workplace happiness and avoiding burnout. As
employees and students, we all appreciate flexibility and opportunities to attend
to family and friends. Likewise, if an
emergency arises, we appreciate having a professor or supervisor that will be
sensitive to our needs when emergency situations require our time. (To that
end, as employees and students, we also have a responsibiity to stay on top of
assignments and work deadlines so that when a need arises, we are prepared.)
Lastly, ‘greater trust’ is recognized as an important element
to a good work experience. As a student,
trust is also an extremely important factor to experiencing success and
happiness. Recognizing that our instructor
trusts our opinions and contributions also builds confidence and respect.
Do you experience these elements in your class? As we see the parallel, we can begin to
appreciate how college can prepare us with experiences to transition from life
as a student to the life of a professional. Along with theories and content,
life lessons can be learned in the classroom. When a professor (or supervisor) fails
to promote the elements referenced in this survey; you must believe in yourself
and make the best of your environment so that you can bloom where you are planted! When you do experience these elements, learn
from them and begin to live them out to encourage others!
For complete results of the survey, please refer to, Red
Balloon’s blog, “Four things we need to have a ‘good’ day at work”.
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