It’s that time of the week again when we post a little something to help make navigating the professional world a little easier.
This time around, our newest editorial series applies to both career-seekers and employers. Both have much to gain from an aligned understanding of the things that truly satisfy employees.
And what exactly are those things? We put together this series to discuss the most important selling points that keep candidates from backing out. Let’s start with one of the most important factors.
- CAREER-SEEKERS WANT A STEADY SOURCE OF DECENT INCOME.
This particular point has been discussed time and again throughout the modern history of labor and employment. However, it always needs to be repeated because we have a tendency to forget its layers of meaning. That is one prevalent reason for the non-fulfillment of this need; when employers forget what consistent and decent income means, they fail to prepare and implement strategies that can provide their employees with such compensation. So, what are these things that are central to steady and decent income?
First, it is income. The word itself implies not only salary, but also what is left when all the deductions and expenses are subtracted. Literally, it is what “comes in” to the employee’s reserves, including their recreational funds, savings and emergency funds. Having income means having something left over after all the expenditures have been taken care of.
Second, it is decent. Having something left over after basic expenses is one thing. It’s more important to have enough remaining funds after paying for those necessities. The amount that remains will determine whether the employee will be able to invest in other things. A great determinant in this concept is increase in compensation. As an example, there must be an increase in income to cope with the rising cost of living. Therefore, decent income means being safe from the possibility of living paycheck-to-paycheck, at any position level and no matter how much economic forces change living conditions.
Third, a steady source means a source that can be relied on consistently. It must be anchored on secure employment, which is why employees stick to jobs that are both stable and have decent income. Employees understand that getting the kind of income they need and want – steady and decent – depends on the stability and security of their job.
Career-seekers understand that when they transition into being actual employees, these are the factors that will matter the most in terms of compensation. These factors will dictate their financial capability not only to survive and support their families, but also to invest in other things that will ultimately improve their value as individuals and as professionals. Without steady and decent income, they will be focused entirely on earning enough to cover basic needs, but no more than that.
This is how a great majority of us think. As career-seekers or as actual employees, steady and decent income will always be an urgent and significant issue to focus on. That’s why we’ve developed the instinct to make career decisions based on how opportunities will help us earn the kind of income we need and want. We learn to balance considerations of expenses for food, utilities, fare, and other necessities with our other spending goals and the income we have. In the end, we accept the offer that gives us the greatest advantage in that regard.
Once both the workforce and the industries grasp the true nature of steady and decent income, there will be a greater alignment between the needs of both.