R-E-S-P-E-C-T: Find out what it means to me

Maybe Aretha Franklin still doesn't know what it means to her, but it's crystal clear for 72% of Singapore workers.

They said that respect for colleagues is the key to a happy work atmosphere.

According to a release, as Singapore’s economy stabilises following rapid growth since the global downturn, it is especially important for managers to keep job satisfaction up, so that good people do not leave for new pastures. But what do people really value in their work environment? What really makes the difference and keeps people on board? The findings from a new global Regus survey give managers some top tips about holding on to your good people.

Singapore workers declare that showing respect towards all members of staff is the most important ingredient to creating a happy business culture. In the latest survey by workplace provider Regus, over 17,000 respondents from more than 80 countries were asked what factors were most likely to help create a happy work atmosphere and 72% of Singapore workers said that respect for colleagues is the key ingredient.

Encouraging skills and knowledge sharing (52%) and vocally acknowledging the work of others (44%) were voted second and third most important factors. Helping out struggling colleagues was also nominated by 42% of respondents.

William Willems, Regional Vice-President for Regus Australia, New Zealand and South-East Asia comments: “With the global job market regaining strength, the results of this survey should serve as a wake-up call to managers who may be overlooking simple, practical and cost-free measures they can take to make sure that staff don’t resign.”

According to Marion Gamel, Global Marketing Director for Alexander Mann Solutions, an international outsourcing and consulting company, talent retention is a crucial issue affecting many organisations on various levels. “There are a few key ingredients to a happy workforce: earnings, job and responsibilities, career and growth prospects, colleagues and work environment."

"Each has a considerable impact on retention, and contrary to many people’s beliefs, earnings is not always the most important retention factor. The quality of relationship with colleagues and with a manager, the recognition one gets, the sense of belonging to a group all contribute to employees thinking twice about leaving a company,” he added.

Kowshik Sriman, Managing Director for SAP Singapore notes “At the end of the day, workers want to be valued and appreciated. In a contemporary corporate environment like Singapore, employees often face high levels of stress on a daily basis amidst juggling their various responsibilities. Bosses must trust their workers as this goes a long way in giving them a greater sense of ownership and empowering them at the workplace. It is easier to retain a worker who is valued and respected than one who is not.”

William Willems said: “As work pressures and hours expand further into people’s personal lives, Singapore workers are ever more aware of the importance that the character of the people they work and spend so many hours of their day with has on job satisfaction. Aside from salary increases and material bonuses, simple steps like showing respect for all staff, making a point of congratulating staff on good work and helping colleagues develop by encouraging skills and knowledge sharing contribute to creating a more human and wholesome environment that staff are not easily tempted to abandon.”