A CEO who has interviewed an impressive 30,000 individuals has revealed the key elements that contribute to employee happiness. According to William Vanderbloemen, founder and CEO of Vanderbloemen Search Group, these insights go beyond the typical focus on salary and work-life balance. In a discussion with CNBC, he outlined six common traits found in highly satisfied employees.
Key to Happiness: A Great Manager
Vanderbloemen emphasized that a significant factor is having a supportive and understanding manager. A good manager knows an employee’s individual preferences, such as whether they prefer public recognition or private acknowledgment via email. This personalized approach fosters a positive work environment.
Work-Life Balance: A Personal Journey
The concept of work-life balance is highly individual. Vanderbloemen noted that some employees are comfortable checking emails after work hours, while others prefer to disconnect completely. The happiest employees, he suggests, are those whose work styles are respected by their employers.
Beyond the Basics: Other Crucial Factors
Beyond managerial support and flexible work-life balance, several other elements contribute to job satisfaction. These include fair compensation, autonomy, opportunities for professional growth, and the sense of performing meaningful work. Vanderbloemen shared that even the pandemic, which shifted many to remote work, showed that employees often strive to do their best regardless of their physical location.
Finding Workplace Joy: Practical Advice
For those seeking greater happiness in their jobs, Vanderbloemen offers a practical tip: “zoom out.” He advises employees to consider how their role contributes to the company’s overall success and, more broadly, to the positive impact their work has on the world. If this perspective shift doesn’t bring clarity, he suggests exploring opportunities within companies or causes that genuinely resonate with their values.
Who is William Vanderbloemen?
Based in Texas, William Vanderbloemen holds degrees from Wake Forest University and Princeton Theological Seminary. After serving as a pastor, he transitioned into the corporate world in 2007, initially as a human resources manager. He is also the author of the book “Be The Unicorn: 12 Data Driven Habits That Separate the Best Leaders From the Rest.”