<Exploring the Impact of Corporate Culture on Employee Well-Being>
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In the 21st century, a notable rise in workplace dissatisfaction has been observed. Critics often claim that Millennials and Gen Z (ages 18–35) harbor unrealistic career expectations and demand too much from their jobs. However, if we reflect on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, we might reconsider this perspective.
Employees frequently find themselves in a dilemma: either they stay in a job they detest, feeling as though they've wasted years, or they leave too quickly, earning the label of a “job hopper.”
It's common to engage in office gossip or vent frustrations about customers, especially during shared tough days. This leads us to a pressing question: why do so many individuals feel unhappy at work, and what are the underlying causes?
A Comprehensive Look at Workplace Discontent
- Stress
Stress is the primary contributor to unhappiness in the workplace. Each person experiences stress differently, yet many employers overlook the fact that individual biological and psychological differences mean that stress management techniques are not one-size-fits-all.
Stress can significantly affect our bodies! When we feel angry, our adrenal glands release cortisol, triggering a fight or flight response. The severity of stress varies based on personal experiences and genetics.
- Routine
Surprisingly, some individuals simply do not thrive on routine. While structure can be beneficial, some people require more mental stimulation and prefer varied tasks throughout their day. They derive satisfaction from tackling unexpected challenges rather than performing the same duties repeatedly.
- Long Hours
In 2002, the average work week in the UK was reported at 43.6 hours, which translates to approximately 8.72 hours a day based on a typical five-day week. By 2018, this had decreased to 42 hours and 18 minutes, with a more recent average of 36.4 hours as of July 2023.
While longer hours can enhance productivity and customer flexibility, they also create adverse psychological impacts on employees. A troubling trend is emerging where quantity is prioritized over quality, with many corporations focusing on maximizing output rather than valuing their employees as individuals.
Is it truly worth sacrificing employee well-being for profit? In our tech-driven world, there seems to be an expectation for people to function like machines to meet targets.
Some individuals work through their breaks or delay lunch until late in the day, leading to prolonged periods without nourishment, which is harmful both physically and mentally.
- Unreasonable Targets
Setting targets is essential for maintaining quality standards in the workplace. However, the methods for establishing these targets often lack fairness. For instance, if you are tasked with achieving 50 sales a day and then abruptly expected to reach 75, the pressure can be overwhelming.
Even if you meet the target, the toll it takes can be detrimental to your health. When productivity declines, the blame often falls on the employee rather than on systemic issues like understaffing or excessive workloads.
- Understaffing
In today’s job market, employees can be easily replaced, leading to an exploitative culture where businesses prioritize profit over adequate staffing. Many companies hire a single individual to handle multiple roles, which inevitably raises stress levels and pressure.
New graduates often find themselves overwhelmed by ad-hoc duties that detract from their primary responsibilities. This not only increases the workload but also diminishes overall quality.
Additionally, companies may employ young apprentices at low wages for the same tasks as full-time employees, further exacerbating the issue of exploitation.
Conclusion: The Need for Change
Exploitation may boost profits, but it does not contribute to a healthy workforce. Addressing these fundamental issues is crucial for fostering a supportive and productive work environment.
~C.M~ Originally written in 2016 and updated in 2024.
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Sources 1. https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html 2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/the-role-of-cortisol-in-the-body#:~:text=Cortisol%20is%20a%20steroid%20hormone,cortisol%20can%20cause%20health%20problems. 3. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-98342/Britons-working-48-hours-week.html 4. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5402113/Britons-spend-hours-work-week-Europe.html 5. https://www.statista.com/statistics/280763/average-working-hours-uk/ 6. https://www.bestapprenticeships.com/apprenticeship-wage/