Recently, I heard someone say that the perfect job is one that blends learning, work, and play. And at first, this didn’t seem so revolutionary. We often hear about work and play being important to employee retention. It’s the reason innovative companies like Nike and Apple fill their break rooms with pool tables, Wii gaming consoles, and freebies like soda, candy, and coffee. Because if people can play while they work, they’ll stay in the office longer and create better relationships with their coworkers. But even these companies experience turnover, despite their phenomenal perks. Could it be that they’re missing a key component?
To really affect turnover, employees must be passionate about their work, have a feeling of play in the office, and feel like they are consistently experiencing growth in knowledge and skill level – learning. When learning stops or stalls, employees will turn outward and look for a job that will give them a greater opportunity to grow and stretch their skill sets.
What do you (or your company) do to increase work, play, and learning in your day-to-day?
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
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