ELECTRONIC HOUSE CALL - March 31, 2000

WHAT DRIVES TODAY'S WORKERS?
Jobtrak.com recently asked over 2,000 college students and recent graduates, "Which do you value most in your career decision?" Here are the answers:

- 42 percent chose balancing work and personal life.
- 26 percent said compensation.
- 23 percent indicated advancement potential.
- 9 percent listed location as the greatest value.

The Trend Alert newsletter from The Herman Group (where I found this little tidbit) adds that money is fast disappearing as the principal motivator in job choice. This shift will continue, as long as people continue to earn enough to maintain the standard of living they prefer. Note to employersthis trend does not mean you can cut wages and salaries, just that workers will want more than money. They will no longer be as money-driven as they were in the past.

You can sign up for Trend Alert with the form on their website at http//www.herman.net/trend_alert_signup.html

A note from the Doc:
Most foodservice operators profess to be concerned about staff retention . . . but I wonder how many of them have ever had an honest discussion with their workers about what would make the workplace more attractive. An honest discussion, by the way, is one where there is is actually learning going on, where you are willing to get off your position when you hear something that makes sense to you . . . and you are actively listening for workable options. Remember that in the real world, there is more than one right answer.

GETTING CAUGHT UP
I was on the road almost constantly during March and I fell behind on a whole pile of things. Now that the travel schedule is a bit more sane, I am slowly digging out. For those who follow such things, the latest pictures of the house are finally on my website and the next issue of Home Remedies goes to the printer next week.

Tonight (Friday) I will call Australia to interview marketing guru Max Hitchins for the April tape in the Management Insight Series. If you are not a subscriber, you missed an enlightening discussion on profitability with Jim Laube last month and an interesting teleconference earlier this week. For subscription information on the Management Insight Series, go to my website at www.restaurantdoctor.com. This is really turning into something exciting!

A COMMENT ON LAST WEEK
While I don't agree with everything in the Bill of No Rights, my agreement is not required and it did make for some interesting dialogue. Thanks to those who sent in their comments, both pro and con!

I suspect that we will all be better off when everyone grasps that are are consequences associated with both our actions and inactions. In the long run, common sense has to prevail -- in the short run, it is much messier. The good news is that there are some enlightened pockets where the best interests of employers and employees are both being met in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The more we can demonstrate that operating responsibly is also good business, the more converts we will get to the "light side." In the end, there is nothing holding us back but our own thinking.

[ Home ] [ Top ] [ Email Restaurant Doctor ]

© 2000 Restaurant Doctor