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The New Relationship

The days of lifetime employment have long gone – as has the loyalty that went with it. More companies are offering fixed
short term contracts – the gig economy is evolving and being embraced by employers and employees. With the uncertainty
this brings individuals now have to own their WorkLife, their career and take responsibility for the quality of the relationship
they have with their employer. It is a negotiated partnership – with the opportunity for a new more balanced relationship.
They want an organisation with strong and authentic values where trust is earned through fulfilling commitments and
promises – a relationship based upon fairness and mutual respect. It needs to be real – not transactional, mechanistic or
manipulative – and more tribal where belonging brings some stability for both parties.

Recruiting, engaging and retaining your employees is one of your most significant investments – you need the right return on
that investment. As market and customer demands increase you need your people to step up and deliver your brand promise
– your side of the deal has to focus on explaining this very clearly. You also need to constantly invest in 21 Century skill
st
building to deliver and enhance the deal.

Employees consider the deal on the table more carefully – foremost in their mind is ‘what is in it for me personally?’ Then
they will check out your reputation as a place to work online before they join; just like you check them out. They are looking
for a say/ do match. Get it right and they will commit and engage – offering more of their capability and potential to support
the business in its aims. Get it wrong and they will disengage – initially emotionally, then in how they do their jobs and finally
by leaving. The cost to the business is huge. People leave bad bosses, toxic cultures and meaningless work environments not
organisations. Your choice.

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