Issue link: http://digital.corporatepress.com/i/186210
coin toss While this is not the case in facilities management, there are, however, situations where meaningful work can seem meaningless to the employee if we are not conscientious. Be on guard for the following: • Repetitive work—physical work that becomes so second nature that it is practically mindless. People need the intellectual stimulation of critical and creative thinking. Look for change, improvements, and new uses for old systems. • Out of sight work—work that is scheduled during unoccupied or down times disconnects the workers from the customers who benefit from the service. The pride that comes naturally from seeing a satisfied customer is not available to these employees. • Thankless work—this is typically a work environment that does not express appreciation enough. A penny's worth of appreciation can produce a pound's worth of good will and motivation. The antidote to the demoralizing environment is to find the meaning, value, or purpose in the tasks we all perform every day. Remind your employees often that they are part of something large and important. Help them see their work more in terms of providing services that are in need than that of performing simple tasks. And always take advantage of an opportunity to encourage them and say "thank you." Being needed, appreciated, and respected are definite boosters. tures medical equipment. The employer hosted an event where the workers got to meet several cancer survivors who were treated with the medical equipment manufactured by the employees. The impact on the workers was immense as they were thanked by the recovered patients and reminded, face-to-face, that their work was contributing to saving lives. Tomorrow, try not to look at your calendar and to-do lists the same as you did today. Whether you are planning your work or working your plan, take a few moments to consider the good that will result from a job well done. Help your co-workers do the same. When you boost up Will see what happens with Able. SHOWCASE THE IMPACT I have recently seen a commercial that had a creative way of injecting meaning in the work of the employees and subsequently boosting their morale. The workers were from a plant that manufac- DriWrap™ Hydrophobic Aerogel Insulation Tunnels Steam Vaults Tight Spaces Removable Jackets Joe Whitefield is executive director of facilities services at Middle Tennessee University, Murfreesboro, TN. He can be reached at joe.whitefield@mtsu.edu. DriTherm™ Underground Insulation Steam Hot Water Chilled Water Freeze Protection High Performance Insulation & Corrosion Protection Products www.dritherm.com 1-800-343-4188 Facilities Manager | september/october 2013 | 53