According to their experience, what have these CEOs learned is essential for people to truly enjoy their time at work?
Recently we asked the question, what have you learned is essential for people to truly enjoy their time at work?
It’s no surprise of course that employee recognition and connection were high on the list.
Trust and diversity are also significant factors.
So what else is on the list?
Read on to see what those in the know had to say.
Rachael Cook
CEO: Inclusee
As a CEO, I’ve learned that several factors are essential for employees to enjoy their work fully. Firstly, providing a clear sense of purpose and how their role contributes to our company’s mission boosts motivation and engagement. Building positive relationships through inclusivity and respect, regardless of background, fosters a sense of belonging and enjoyment.
Empowering employees with autonomy and recognising their achievements enhances satisfaction and motivation. Balancing work and personal life, offering growth opportunities, and valuing diversity and inclusion are also critical.
A trusting and supportive manager plays a vital role in creating a positive environment. Effective leadership, open communication, and empathy significantly impact employee satisfaction and engagement. Embracing diversity promotes innovation and a culture of respect.
I prioritise these elements to create a positive work environment where employees thrive professionally and personally, feeling valued, included, and trusted.
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Debbie Stracey
Executive Director: Australian Tissue Donation Network
I believe that for people to really enjoy their time at work and to make it more meaningful than just a pay packet at the end of the week, there needs to be a connection.
There are different kinds of connections. For my role in the Tissue Donation Sector, it is a connection to purpose and a love of being part of a sector that benefits those in need. There is a clear purpose and although at times it can be arduous, the goal is to ensure that the Australian people have the type of allografts that they require.
Connection does not have to be a purpose, it can be the people. If you are fortunate enough to work with a person or a team that inspires you or makes your day at work a bit more enjoyable, provides conversation, laughs, and a sense of belonging or even structure, this can make work an enjoyable, even social experience.
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Paul Sandilands
Registered Midwife and Clinical Midwifery Educator: NSW Health
What do you need to truly enjoy your time at work? A question that vexes many people, considering the amount of time we spend at work. Roughly one third of our life is spent at work.
Work is similar to a relationship. You want to spend time with someone that you like and enjoy, usually love as well. Not many will profess to love their job. I do!
How can I make it enjoyable? Challenge yourself to do the best you can at your job, strive to achieve. Do this for you. You will also get positive feedback and even possible rewards from management. Opportunities will open up directly from your efforts.
When you put little in you will get little out.
Form relationships with co-workers and you will support and lift each other. Avoid the toxic ones. Don’t take your personal dramas to work.
Unless you win Lotto, you have to be there. Focus on making it a positive part of your life and it will enrich the rest.
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Christine Khor
CEO, Founder and Master Coach: Peeplcoach
Human nature is pretty simple. We all want to feel safe, loved, or that we belong; to know that we can contribute and do something useful, and when we do contribute our contribution is recognised; and finally, we want to learn, be challenged, and be passionate about what we do.
The Japanese have a term called “Ikigai”, which describes when people truly enjoy their work. Ikigai happens when “you do what you love, the world needs it, you are good at it, and you can get paid for it.”
I would add, “and you do it with people where you know you belong!”
When those five things come together – love, need, skill, recognition, and belonging – people can really enjoy their work and be successful.
Also on The Big Smoke
Kris Grant
CEO: ASPL Group
In my experience, fostering an enjoyable work experience involves several key elements. It begins with empowering individuals to discover their strengths, passions, and purpose within the organisation.
By recognising and appreciating their unique contributions, you can instil a sense of value and motivation. Prioritising employee well-being, including work-life balance and mental health support, demonstrates a genuine commitment to their holistic welfare. Integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives ensures that every individual feels respected, represented, and included, regardless of their background or identity. Providing opportunities for growth and development, along with clear communication and feedback mechanisms, enables individuals to thrive both personally and professionally.
By integrating these elements, organisations can cultivate a workplace culture where employees feel fulfilled, engaged, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
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Patrick Darcy
CEO: Capability.Co
The most important thing is choosing an environment where you can bring your whole self to work. Great leaders create this environment. No masks, no pretending to be something you’re not just to fit in. Many organisations refer to diversity as a statistic, but a truly diverse culture is one where everyone is valued for what makes them unique.
Reducing the dissonance between who you are in life and who you are at work is an enabler of authenticity. Choosing to work from a place of authenticity, and not from fear of judgement or other people’s opinions, is incredibly freeing, will better align you to an organisation’s purpose, and help you form relationships built on trust. These are the key ingredients to a more fulfilling career.
Being yourself is where you’ll be at your best, and everyone deserves to work somewhere where they can be at their best.
Also on The Big Smoke
Holly Hunt
Founder and Chief Executive Officer: Hunt & Co. and Women in Digital
From my experience speaking to thousands of people about what makes them happy at work, I would say the need and want to feel “seen” as humans is a huge driver. This manifests in different ways. For some, it means being seen as a trustworthy person who can juggle caring needs alongside their career. For others, it means being supported in their ambition, and given opportunities for growth. Or it might mean being a minority group at work and feeling accepted and included for those differences. Whatever it is, we want to feel seen, heard, and trusted as whole humans that are trying to do our best.
We used to see people compartmentalise their personal life from their professional life in pursuit of salary, title, and professional status, however external validation through work is no longer a motivator. Wellness, balance, and the integration of work and personal life are high on the agenda for most people. This means that to be an exceptional leader with a high-performing and happy team you need your people to feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work.
The post Expert opinion: What is required for staff to enjoy their time at work? appeared first on The Big Smoke.