One in ten employees define success at work as high performance

As employers get to grips with a market that is short on skilled workers and riddled with regret, these findings indicate a continual disconnect between the desires of employees and the expectations of their employers.  

The global career survey by Right Management mirrored a report yesterday, where half of professionals and job-hunters would take a minimum wage job if it meant an increase in job satisfaction, with the top definition of workplace success being enjoyment/happiness (26%), whilst the number one career aspiration was a harmonious work/life balance; 55% of employees in Europe selected this, followed by Asia Pacific (35%) and North America (35%). Other definitions of workplace success that came above high performance were salary (19%) and respect and recognition (15%).  

“High performers have a disproportionate impact on business results,” said Mara Swan, global leader of Right Management and executive vice president of ManpowerGroup, “Talent shortages for in-demand skills persist and have caused HR departments worldwide to rethink how they develop and motivate individuals to meet performance goals. To attract and retain top talent, organisations must make development a priority and enable their leaders to mentor employees to expand their skills, capabilities and experience.”