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Have you ever left your workplace, gone to
the parking lot or garage, and found your car sitting there with a flat
tire? After a long day at work, that can be pretty stressful. In
some organizations, there’s a “white knight” coming to the rescue in the
form of on-site concierge services.
In this 21st century fast-paced, stressful society, several factors
combine to increase stress levels in the workplace: generational
differences (and vastly different perspectives towards work ethic); fewer
people in the workplace to do the same (or more) work; and intense
competition levels in the marketplace. Any one of these factors is
stressful enough on individual workers; combined, they result in a heavy
weight.
In the research for our book, Bridging the Generation Gap, Robin
Throckmorton and I asked employees, “What causes the most conflict and
disagreement across age groups in your workplace?” The overwhelming
response was “differing views on work ethic”. Older workers said that they
don’t think workers in their teens and 20’s have a work ethic.
Younger workers said that there’s too much emphasis on “face time” at the
desk when work could just as easily been done at a home office. In
fact younger workers often multi-task and can accomplish a great deal in a
short amount of time using technology, while older workers have a
difficult time escaping the concept of “paying your dues” with time at
work and working hard while there. This push-pull in many work
places is causing arguments and hurt feelings….and stress.
Within the next few years, Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) will
be retiring in large numbers. Many Boomers have already sought early
retirement, either to begin a second career or enjoy their relative youth
and good health. This leaves a skills crisis and a staffing
shortage, meaning longer hours and less time off for remaining employees.
This adds another dimension of stress at work.
Instead of competition being down the street and around the corner for
many businesses, competition is global. Technology has brought
purchasers of goods and services closer to potential sellers at an amazing
rate. The intensity of competition is heating up and will continue
to do so. Add another dimension of stress.
Is it any wonder that many people in today’s workplace feel sleep
deprived, time starved and stressed out?! A recent study by the
American Psychological Association reported that half of all working
adults and 47% of Americans indicate they are concerned about the level of
stress in their lives. A recent Harris Interactive Study found that
one in three U.S. workers feels that being overworked is a chronic
condition. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that
three in 10 Americans say they have experienced panic attacks.
The result of all this stress is a potential health crisis in the
workplace, ranging from employees who have high blood pressure to heart
attacks and strokes. Now more than ever, employees will need an
opportunity to break free occasionally and take some time off.
Employers can help the situation by taking proactive steps to help
employees cope, such as sponsoring healthy eating and nutrition workshops;
stress reduction workshops; health club memberships; and programs that
promote work – life balance.
Concierge services are a fast-growing method of helping employees balance
work and the pressures of family life. The five most popular
concierge services in today’s workplace are personal shopping; automobile
services; mailing services; information referrals; and dry cleaning or
laundry services. In addition, emerging services gaining in
popularity are child or elder care research; gift wrapping services;
travel planning; and event planning. The event planning services
range from taking treats to school for employees’ children to planning
graduation parties.
A national provider of concierge services, Best Upon Request, reports that
over 90% of those who used concierge services report a decreased stress
level and more balance in their lives. The same employees went on to say
that they saved an average of two hours for each concierge service they
utilized, and half of these people put the extra time back into their
work.
Quantitative studies have not been conducted yet to tie concierge services
to improved employee well being and satisfaction, although I believe
future studies of this type will show these results. For employers,
this could translate to more productive employees who handle customer
issues and complaints better and are less prone to absenteeism. This
is a trend well worth paying attention to!
For questions or comments, please contact Linda at
Linda@gravett.com.
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