The trendy new HR term right now is “employee engagement.” I must read 4 articles a week that talk about how some major percentage of the employee population is “disengaged.” Where in the world did this come from? Are you really “this word,” or are you actually dissatisfied with your job to the point where no amount of cheerleading, employee programming, or nurturing is going to change that? Is it really just time for you to take ownership? Some of the ways I like to think about the difference between these two states of mind are as follows:
Disengaged |
Dissatisfied |
Feel that you have little or no impact |
Your company’s values and your personal values don’t match |
Don’t understand the “why” behind your work |
You aren’t using your skills or applying your passion at work |
Don’t like or trust your boss |
Are underpaid for the work you do and it’s having a negative impact on your family |
Don’t feel like a part of some larger purpose at work |
You don’t believe in your product or service and wouldn’t recommend it |
Don’t like or trust your peers |
You don’t refer your friends to the company – because you like being their friend |
Feel that company leaders are not open and honest with employees |
Going to work makes you feel sad, or even physically ill |
When you talk about work you use words like, “it used to be different.” |
When you talk about work it’s usually with a negative tone – whine, complain, frustration |
What do you do with this information?
If your evaluation leads you to the conclusion that opening up communication or seeking a higher level of understanding within your company might reenergize you and make you feel better about your current position, then you are likely disengaged and just need some help to rekindle the fire.
If the issues that you identified are of a more personal nature, and not something that will be fixed with any amount of dialogue or information, then you may be facing dissatisfaction.
Why is this important?
If you are in the dissatisfied category, then it’s likely time to move on. Staying in a position that makes you unhappy will ultimately result in personal, emotional, and sometimes physical harm, and potentially getting fired. Many people find job transitions particularly hard because they don’t want to feel like, or be thought of as, a “quitter.” There is, however, a very delicate balance between being a quitter, and realizing that you could be happier and more successful in a new company. You have to find the balance that works for you and for your family, and trust in your decision.
It takes a mountain of courage to opt out, but if you aren’t in a position to change what’s ailing you internally, then it is better to learn from the experience, and seek a new adventure.
So, are you dissatisfied or simply disengaged?
For more information on getting hired – and for a current list of job opportunities – visit us here.
