Employees are running on recession adrenaline- a phenomenon that employees are working harder than ever before to ensure their jobs stay secure. This is leading to serious implications for the workplace and the health of employees. Up to 90% of all doctor visits are for stress-related complaints. (American Institute of Stress). One third of people are currently living with "extreme stress," and 74% said work was the primary cause. (The American Psychological Association).

The recession has given birth to the new worker. The new worker is classified as overworked, stressed, lacks work-life balance and lives in fear of losing their job. Approximately five million workers -- roughly one in five of the workforce -- are clocking an extra seven hours unpaid every week.



A pay cheque is not a thank you

What happens when the new worker runs out of adrenaline? How are employers re-engaging and re-motivating their employees? The pay cheque is not the answer. Peter Drucker said it best, “We have known for fifty years that money alone does not motivate to perform. Dissatisfaction with money grossly de-motivates. Satisfaction with money is, however, mainly a “hygiene factor.”

A pay cheque compensates the employee for their work but it does not act as recognition or a thank you for the value they bring to the company. Recognition is what this new worker needs. What gets recognized gets repeated, creating positive behavioral patterns in the workplace. Creating a culture of recognition in companies means happier employees, less turnover and more productivity.

Recession Adrenaline Burnout

The new worker that is motivated by recession adrenaline will eventually burn out. Burn out will ultimately lead to employee disengagement, low morale, absenteeism and illness. Stress-related disorders cost companies $12 billion annually. (Statistics Canada). It is necessary for companies to recognize those employees who make a difference, and transition from the new worker to the balanced worker.



Top 3 Tips on Creating a Balanced and Healthy Workplace
1) Recognition is free and also has extremely high impact because it’s guaranteed to drive motivation and engagement. A thank you card can go a long way. Managers should genuinely recognize their employees once a week to ensure that they are feeling appreciated.
2) Encourage vacation and ensure that employees are taking their vacations and not feeling guilty about it. Vacation will allow employees to recharge their batteries and come back feeling refreshed and ready to work again.
3) Be a mentor to your staff or assign one that they are comfortable speaking to. Arrange mentor lunches and activities so that everyone has someone to talk to and lean on for support.

* 77 per cent of companies report that mentoring programs are effective in increasing retention. (Center for Creative Leadership)