Hello,
It’s your favorite employee here. I have a lot on my mind and thought I’d put it in an email. So here it goes.
During my interviews I felt excited about my future here. And during my first few weeks of training everyone seemed nice enough, and my manager seemed to be decent. I thought I might be given the opportunity to really thrive.
But over time, reality has set in and I’ve come to realize this company is like so many others – instead of being focused on people and customers, it’s focused on the bottom line. I thought my ambition and positive attitude would beat the odds, but I can feel myself becoming disengaged.
How can I be invested in a company that isn’t invested in me?
I know, you might say you are invested in me as evidenced by the health care benefits, pet insurance and 401K matching. While I certainly appreciate that stuff, what about the opportunity to learn and grow, collaborate with my peers, and feel valued by my leadership?
What about a culture focused on those core values hanging in the lunch room, and a place that’s open to suggestions for improvement from employees?
Honestly, I am here, waiting for the opportunity to be the best I can be. I want to feel profoundly connected to my work here, and I want to offer you everything I have in every moment of every day. In fact, that’s how people are wired – we are wired to put in our best. It’s just human nature. But the circumstances have to facilitate the opportunity.
Don’t leave me to fight an uphill battle every day to give you my all. Create a culture focused on engagement and positivity, and I promise you I will.
Sincerely,
Your Employee
That was a mock letter from one of your employees.
I hate to say it, but unless you are totally focused on building a positive culture, running and responding to engagement surveys, teaching managers how to have collaborative performance conversations, and living your core values, it probably wasn’t that far off.
But don’t take my word for it – put yourself in the position of one of your employees, and write your own mock letter.
Would you be happy with its contents? Or would you be saddened that your employees aren’t being given every opportunity to flourish?
If it’s the former, please send me your letter and let’s get it on my blog! It’ll give us all a chance to see what great companies are doing to help employees thrive!
If it’s the later, consider your options. How can you get a new kind of letter? One that’s more positive?
You might try downloading my ebook on employee engagement. I’ll give you 55 turnkey action items for creating a more engaged workforce.
Sincerely,
Catherine
