Feeling Unappreciated

FEELING UNAPPRECIATED

2007 was a tough year. It ended with us only a bit down as compared to the previous year, but it was a struggle. We caught a break - three people left on their own (they all moved out of the city) so, we only had to lay off one person because of the slowdown in business, but truth be told, it was more for performance reasons than business.

2008 is looking like it’s going to be a bit of a struggle, too, so I’m not replacing anyone who left and distributing their tasks among the remaining employees.

So, at our management meeting last week, when the subject of human resources came up I hear all sorts of grumbling. “Morale is low.” “People resent having to take on the tasks of those who left without getting paid more.” “People want to know if there are going to be raises this year.” “Can we add dental insurance to our health plan?”

I have to admit, at this point, I don’t know what to say - especially to my three managers who have lived through the tough times with me.

First, I want to say, that I notice that no one is working overtime, missing their lunch breaks, or, heaven’s forbid, missing their afternoon breaks to Starbuck’s or Coffee Bean, so I’m not exactly feeling warm and cozy about paying people more because they’ve taken on more work. The obnoxious side of me wants to say, “I don’t remember anyone giving me refunds on their salary when they didn’t have a lot to do,” but I keep that one to myself.

Second, I’m wondering, does anyone care about my morale? Does anyone care if I’m happy in my job?

I don’t mean to pat myself on the back, because I’m not doing anything every other small business person isn’t doing.

But, I’m sitting there wondering, how dare you ask me these questions when you know that the only way we’ve survived the past year is that I’ve borrowed money on my credit cards and equity line of credit on my home? How dare you talk about raises and increases in benefits when you know I’ve cut my salary to the bone and I’m making as much as one of our entry level employees?

I’m not naive. I understand that everyone works for their own self-interest - that their lives aren’t as committed to this business as mine, but I’m shocked that no one appreciates that keeping me motivated is in their own self-interest. The day I say, this is too hard and I’m giving up, is the day they’re all on the street looking for a job in a tough economy.

I’m not asking for applause every time I walk into the office, or a big banner spread across my wall, “Thank you, Jack,” (though I have to admit both of those would be nice), but what I am asking for is a show of interest in the health of the company, and not just in oneself.

If working a few minutes overtime is required, just do it and don’t complain. If it’s necessary to miss lunch in order to get a project to a client on time, just do it. And, I certainly don’t appreciate people loudly broadcasting about their overtime or missed lunches. I know who’s working and who’s not. I see the time sheets; I get the calls from the angry clients; I see who’s there late and who isn’t.

So, what did I say to my managers after I heard their complaints?

“I’m doing the best I can. When I have it, I share it. When I don’t, I can’t.”

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Jack Bernstein is the author of seven books on business and president of, The Translation Station, a foreign language translation company. Send comments to him at: Jack@TheTranslationStation.com. Copyright 2008, Jack Bernstein