A reader e-mailed recently as a follow up to a Profitable Horseman newsletter about employees from the employer’s view:
Doug,
Have really enjoyed your newsletter and have been getting it for a couple of years. Now, will you write one from the employee’s view. How to treat people you hire. We see so much from the employers end, now, lets see an article from the employee’s view.
Cathy Johnson
www.naturalremudaequinelearningcenter.com
Dear Boss,
I know you’re busy all of the time and that’s why I’m writing you this note instead of trying to get you to slow down to tell you in person.
First, I just want to tell you I like my job and the people I work with.
And the reason I’m writing is because I’d like to keep working for you. But, in view of the way things are changing, here are three points I offer for your consideration.
1. I feel my wages are fair and in the range of the “going rate”. You may be surprised, but your appreciation for the work I do is more important than my paycheck. I don’t need lavish praise, just an occasional acknowledgment for getting the job done on time, working late without complaining and being a good team member.
2. Because I’m committed to the success of the business, I do spend time thinking about how we can do things better and in less time. When you let me in on things going on in the business and planning for future events, it helps me prepare for change. I feel more in control of my job responsibilities when I know in advance. Notice about things like horse shows and clinics at the farm as well as your travel schedule help me be ready to cover added responsibilities.
3. I know employees are supposed to leave personal problems at home, but no matter how hard I try, I think about home at work, just as I think about work at home. Sometimes I need some help with personal problems and as you are experienced in life and are a leader, your opinion and advice is important to me. Once in a while, I need some outside advice and value your opinion; please remember most people aren’t as independent or skilled at decision making as you are.
This next sentence may be hard for you to believe. But, from an employee’s perspective, a job is not all about the money. If money was the top goal for employees, we’d probably all be running our own businesses.
Don’t get me wrong. I want to earn a fair wage, but the three things I mentioned above are more important to me and most other employees than earning top dollar for my position.
Respectfully,
Your employee