Here's The Deal

“It’s probably hard for you to move someone this time of year Adam, with it being bonus time…” This is something a handful of people say to me this time of year…even in the years when most banks were not paying bonuses. It’s like bankers are conditioned to think this way. Who can blame them?

The answer is yes. It is harder to move people this time of year, but not impossible. In fact, for some…it’s not even that difficult. “Oh, you must be talking about sign on bonuses right Adam?” Well, not always.  I am talking about logic. Something I decide to dabble in from time to time.

Yes, bonus money comes into play with my candidates, my clients and in turn myself this time of year and really for the next few months, but it doesn’t always get in the way. Even for strong candidates expecting strong bonuses soon. One key reason for this is sometimes the long term opportunity outweighs the short term “gain” of the bonus check. If I have to explain how, then I either have the wrong audience here or I have underestimated the intelligence of humanity. Either way, I will explain, albeit briefly.

A bonus is a one-time thing. A better opportunity is not. A better salary is not. A better chance to move forward year after year is not. I could go on…I won’t.

This is not just talk either…I believe it. When I left my old firm 5 years ago to start an agency with John Morris, I left money on the table. I had commission checks coming in. So what? I always would. It was painful, but I understood that without risk there would be no reward.  There would not be a “good time” to take a step out.

Can everyone take that risk? No. Should everyone take that risk…no. That is not the point, the point is that during this time of year my job is bit harder, but not simply because of bonus money. Vacation schedules, reflective attitudes people have, holidays, budgeting and yes bonus money make life a little different for me, my candidates and my clients this time of year…but everyone (including my clients’) ability to weigh risk vs. reward is what I enjoy most about this time of year. Well, that and football.

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The environment of the working world is changing. From being able to work from home, to perks such as casual Friday, free breakfast every morning, to bringing your pet to work with you, companies are allowing people to incorporate their jobs into their everyday lives, as well as trying to be more fun and flexible during the work day.

Although only about 5-8% of companies allow pets (mainly dogs) in the workplace, people who practice it say that productivity has increased because of it.  These findings make sense, given that it is proven that dogs can lower blood pressure, making people feel less stressed out and able to focus better. I also imagine that the atmosphere is more fun and relaxed with a room full of dogs.  The companies that allow pets, encourage employees to bring them.  However, you have to look at the other side of the argument.  Isn’t having your pet at work distracting? What about co-workers who do not like/ are allergic to animals?

Because of our technological advances, some people are now able to work from home, either part-time or full-time.  This is a wonderful thing, especially for mothers, people who have disabilities, etc.  People who work from home, and studies support this, say that they are more productive and motivated than if they had to commute to an office.  Again, I can see why this practice would work and wouldn’t.   I think it depends on each individual and their ability to focus.  I can easily see someone working from home and spending just a little too much time watching TV instead of getting assignments done.  However, there are folks who can be trusted and have a motivation to get their work done regardless of their location.  Having an office and a certain span of time setup for working, aka: the 9-5 work day, gives structure to life which can be a good thing.  However, giving employees more freedom and the ability to work from the comfort of their own home shows that you trust them.  Not only does this make the employee feel appreciated and more comfortable, it may make them more loyal and grateful to the company.

Companies also offer other types of perks.  For instance, here at A J Consultants we have casual Friday, company lunches, a basketball hoop, and all the Jujyfruits and Swedish Fish you can eat. Some companies provide breakfast in the morning, gym memberships, company cell phones, etc.  How much do these extras factor into whether or not you accept a job?  Additionally, does the culture or perks of a company have a definitive influence on your next job choice?

As I said before, work environments and practices are changing.  We are always changing as a society and it only makes sense that the working world would be a part of those changes.  Are these changes good, bad, or somewhere in-between?  Let us know what you think!

Thanks for reading, and Let’s Talk! – Rachael

  (   This is my dog, Sawyer 🙂    )

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