As an employee and as an entrepreneur, I have always taken a careful look at my working conditions.
My working conditions are the one thing I would assess thoroughly before taking a job.
Why?
Simply because work conditions affect the mindset of the worker. If the worker’s mindset is well, their work results will follow.
I once witnessed a colleague who chose…
Working conditions over a higher salary.
One of the easiest ways to making more money is to switch jobs every six or seven years, amongst other things.
I had that colleague, who’d been working for our employer for more than a decade. He’d had the opportunity to change jobs.
The interviews for his new role went well. The new company was friendly and welcoming. His new manager was a former colleague of ours.
There was a 25% raise for him. The dream!
After careful consideration, he turned the offer down.
Why? Because one of his non-negotiable working condition terms was not met.
What condition was that?
His employer at the time had provided him with an airconditioned office. The new employer wasn’t offering that.
In an island. Synonym of excruciating heat and humidity all year round. He knew he wouldn’t perform well at all under such conditions.
What does that mean for business owners with employees?
If you are blessed to have employees, consider reviewing their work environment. As the saying goes: happy employee, happy customer.
Some work better under pressure. Others do not. Some enjoy working from home. Others absolutely hate it.
Some perform better during the night. I personally fall into that category. Others would be happy doing some field work.
Not everything is about the cashflow. In my friend’s case, he needed an airconditioned office.
I am sure he would have settled for less money, had the non-negotiable terms be worked out.
I highly encourage employers to ask to their recruits what their non-negotiable terms are. And to decide if it is acceptable or feasible for themselves or not.
The new employers mistake was to assume that the money would make up for the lack of airconditioned office.
They committed the same mistake as George’s employer.
What about entrepreneurs with no employees?
Well, if you are self employed … The same applies for you. What is acceptable for you? How about your non-negotiable terms?
Did you figure out what working conditions work best for you? How about your process to generate innovative ideas?
Is it OK for you to work from home? Or are you like me – absolutely dislike working from home?
What about your customers? Have you placed any limits regarding what you would accept, and not accept?
The same question applies to your subcontractors.
Once again, if you are not in the right mindset and environment, the product and / or service you offer will be affected.