What do you think is the most important characteristic that Canadians look for in a job?

Money? While most of us strive to raise our income to achieve a better quality of life, we also strive for a mosaic of satisfying characteristics with both tangible and intangible intrinsic rewards. When I speak with clients about creating an environment that enhances quality of life in the workplace with the result of high job satisfaction, I often get into the debate about whether or not “money is the prime motivator” for employees.

Graham Lowe, president of Graham Lowe Group in Kelowna, B.C., references a 2007 study 21st Century Job Quality: Achieving What Canadians Want when emphasizing what Canadians value and look for their jobs. These characteristic are presented in order of importance.

1. respectful treatment
2. a healthy and safe environment
3. trustworthy management
4. work-life balance
5. a sense of pride and accomplishment
6. training to do their jobs effectively

How interesting that “money” is not in the top six above. Even if money is next on the list at #7, many employers’ cling to 20th Century beliefs and employment priorities that are out of sync with the current reality. Resistance to new and innovative practices that embrace and support quality of life in the workplace is holding many employers back from creating a happy, productive, effective, and profitable workplace. They are losing good talented employees and the “pool” is drying up.

If employers continue to address only the “money” reward, they will be insulting and demoralizing their workforce. This is the disconnect that results in everyone missing out on a great opportunity to build a satisfying community at work. Future blogs and e-newsletters will focus on creating a workplace that meets the needs of employers and employees: happy, productive, effective, and profitable.