Engaged or Enraged?

There is a huge disconnect between what agencies think employees want and what employees are really looking for. Agencies offer buzzwords like “culture, work-life balance, and unlimited bagels”, but what the fuck do these things translate to? How does “culture” show up in an Offer Letter? How can an employee monetize “unlimited bagels” and please tell me the definition of “work-life balance”? 

If agencies are really trying to be transparent, then stop the campaigns, buzzwords, and self-promotion and start asking the people who are building your business “WHAT DO YOU NEED/WANT?” If an agency is serious about employee retention, morale, and being competitive in the industry, why wouldn’t they want to know what’s important to their current and potential employees?  

Employees are screaming for remote and flex options. They want to feel incentive by promotions based on drive and ability, not cattle calls of annual reviews. They want to feel valued for the work they do -- and yes, that means financially and verbally. Agencies shaming employees for missing work is one of several reasons employees start looking. Resentment builds for having to miss family functions, vacations, doctors appointments, or just a damn mental health day. 

It’s time to start treating our employees and candidates as though they run and build these businesses -- because THEY DO. Without them, there is no business to be had. Employees are the very people who are the face of your agency and the lifeblood of what keeps you alive. They should be appreciated for their skills, drive, and unique qualities – not the fact that they will take the bare minimum and work the greatest hours.   

Ask the lifeblood of your agency what they need. Better employees’ equals greater revenue. Proven time and time again.