"Workplace Prisoners"

Success Problem

A workplace prisoner is someone who indicates they will stay at their organization despite the lack of motivation to give their best effort and a lack of positive things to say about their company.

Impact

Motivating employees requires more than compensation, which can create “prisoners.” Instead, companies need to emphasize a richer employee experience. There is an interesting “iceberg” effect when it comes to employee motivation. Company leadership tends to focus on what is immediately visible, both for top talent and for severe underperformers for example. This focus can come at the expense of less visible, but no less impactful dynamics

Recommendation

For employees who are either unwilling or unable to become more motivated and productive performers, the business and HR need to have processes in place to identify and move those employees out. For everyone else, there is much more hope.

Category

• Engagement & Motivation