The FINANCIAL -- As Labor Day approaches, consulting firm Mercer and SMITH Magazine,
creator of the Six-Word Memoir® series, are just wrapping up a "Six
Words About Work" contest that has captured, in vivid and personal
detail, how employees feel about work today.
The contest, conducted in phases over the summer, provided the opportunity to submit entries on four work-related topics for a chance to win an Apple® iPad or BlackBerry® PlayBook™:
- Why I do what I do
- What inspires my very best work
- The best boss I ever had
- Biggest lesson I learned at work
Mercer and SMITH received a total of more than 7,000 entries for the contest, which was conducted in the US, UK and Canada. During tough economic times, when many business decisions have directly affected employees and their jobs, the entries actually reflected positive and hopeful attitudes.
“We tend to get caught up in the numbers of business and forget that work is a uniquely human exercise,” said Larry Smith, founder of SMITH Magazine, home of the Six-Word Memoir project. “Despite recent economic stressors, the essential point of view remains unchanged: People want to derive satisfaction and meaning from what they do – and through this contest, they expressed it.”
The contest reflects findings from Mercer's new What's Working™ survey, which asked nearly 30,000 workers globally, including 2,400 in the US, about their views on work and their commitment to their job. While US employees voiced concerns and frustrations about work through the survey, they also confirmed that certain factors contribute significantly to their motivation and engagement at work, including:
- Being treated with respect (82% cited this factor as being very important to motivation and engagement)
- The quality of leadership in the organization (75%)
- Being able to provide good service to others (75%)
- The quality of the people they work with (74%)
“Many of the contest entries had almost a reflective or aspirational tone,” said Michael Burniston, Leader of Mercer’s Human Capital consulting business for the US and Canada. “People seemed to be saying that ‘I know work can be a positive experience, even if it’s not great for me right now – and I want that.’ When work is structured right and managed right, and people feel they are treated fairly, they view it in very favorable terms.”
Contest winners
One winner for each round was chosen from each of three participating countries. Each winner will receive his or her choice of a new Apple® iPad or BlackBerry® PlayBook™.
The following winners for the third challenge in the contest series, “The best boss I ever had,” were selected by guest judge, Tony Schwartz, author of The Way We're Working Isn't Working.
“Promoted truth, justice and eventually, me.”
US winner – George Sosa: A Queens, NY-based videographer and editor, Sosa’s entry reflects the common qualities of his favorite employers: straight-forwardness and fair play. “They all had been open, secure and fair enough to recognize my talent and encourage its – and my – development,” he said.
“Advised: Be CEO of own workspace.”
Canada winner – Rose Atkinson: Atkinson lives in western Canada and has worked in the non-profit sector for 13 years. Her entry is based on a favorite expression of her uncle, the CEO of his own company, and it is posted in her work station as a reminder of his advice.
“Hid tears behind a stern face.”
UK winner – Matt Knight: A university student, Knight’s entry was inspired by his boss at his first part-time retail job. While his boss was “fierce and strict and never got less than he wanted,” over time, he opened up and allowed Knight to see beyond the stern demeanor.
The fourth and final challenge in the contest series, “Biggest lesson I learned at work,” launched August 14 and concluded August 27. David Allen, bestselling author of Getting Things Done, was the judge of this final phase and selected the following winners:
“Press every button until printer works.”
US winner – Melesha Owen: Owen is a librarian in a public library in California. Intrigued by the Six-Word Memoir project, she finds it a great way to say a little bit about her life in five minutes or less.
“Follow your heart, not the salary.”
Canada winner – Kelly Heaney: Heaney, who lives in Ontario and works as a financial analyst for a large company, heard about the contest at work and has been hooked ever since.
“Make cups of tea, build bridges.”
UK winner – Bryon Punt: A freelance graphic designer residing near London, Punt’s entry reflects his love of tea and its way of “solving problems and bringing people together. Add a choccy biccy and it's smiles all round!”
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