A recent poll conducted by Monstor.com found that 78 percent of employees suffered from The Sunday Night Blues–anxiety about having to return to work on Monday. For some, the anxiety they suffered was so bad that it made them want to look for a new job. Why all the anxiety? The answer is that most of these people hate their jobs. A recent Gallup poll found that 7 out of 10 employees hate their jobs. According to Gallup CEO Jim Clifton, this is costing American businesses somewhere between $450 billion and $550 billion each year in accidents, poorly produced products and health care bills. The good news is that businesses could easily fix this problem by treating their employees as human beings instead of property, treating them with respect and taking them seriously as individuals and, provide them with a positive work environment. Any business that tries this will find the results astounding.
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One very simple way to reduce Sunday night blues (or also anxiety) is to stop holding staff meetings first thing Monday morning. Many senior executives like to hold staff meetings at 9:00 AM on Monday, but seem oblivious to the fact that this means all their direct reports, and often the supporting cast, are spending their Sunday evenings preparing for the Monday morning meeting instead of enjoying the evening with their family. If the Monday morning meeting is likely to be contentious, it also means a poor night’s sleep Sunday night. If the staff meeting is Monday afternoon, however, there is time to get in to the office, gather your wits, make last minute tweaks to presentations, respond to last minute emailed questions pre-meeting, and so forth.
Ross,
After reading todays article I just wanted to let you know there are companies out there that truly treat their empoyees like family and care about their employees well being beyound just the work environment.
I have been blessed to work for L.N. Curtis and Sons for nearly 40 years and during that time I cant even count the times that they have been by my side throught the good and bad of what life brings us.
Every Monday that I roll out of bed I’m ready to bring our company and our customers my best efforts. I want to make a difference in the lives of our customers by providing them the tools and knowledge to bring them safely home to their family and friends after every shift and fire.
Its also my responsibility to all the families of L.N. Curtis and Sons to represent our company in such a way that our customers think of our company first when making any safety equipment purchase, thus ensuring their continued employment and that of the people from the factories that manufactuer our products.
If you understand that you are accountable in this life to all the people around you and that all your actions effect other people to some degree, you will definately try to do the right thing and in your heart you will be a peace!
Take care,
KCA
Hi KC,
What a great testimonial for you company. Thank you so much. I hope all is well. Please keep those comments coming. Happy Halloween.Ross
As a communication consultant, I work across numerous industries and levels. I’ve discovered that it’s usually not the actual job or work that most people dread.
It’s the way they are treated by their company and especially by their boss.
It seems that some businesses have not connected the bottom line to leadership behavior and productivity. If they did understand the connection, the workplace would become more respectful of the people who contribute everyday to their profits and brand reputation.
You are right on Diane. Thank you so much for you comment. I wish I knew the secret to get business leaders to think like you and I do. I hope all is going well. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Ross