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My company has changed a lot in the last year. A number of people who were with the company since startup, or shortly thereafter, are leaving. Some are moving on to other jobs and not saying why. Some were asked to leave, in more or less uncomfortable circumstances nobody talks about. The rest of us are fretful. I'm fretful. A lot of my colleagues are starting to look for work because they don't feel happy and secure here anymore. Either that, or they've always been looking for work in a desultory way and I just haven't noticed before. I don't feel happy or secure here, either. If they're firing scientists who seem more talented and dedicated than I am, what chance do I have? But I don't have the energy for a job search.
My boss is trying to improve morale. Group lunches are nice, certainly. Bringing in potted plants for the desks of everyone who wants one is also nice. (I'm not sure if I should...I think I managed to neglect my poor aloe to death.) He wants to send everyone to at least one professional development event a year, preferrably two -- conferences or trade shows. I admit to thinking those would be great opportunities for job search networking, if I only had the aforementioned energy.
My boss is starting to ask what the company can do to improve morale. He pointed out that we won't get perks or benefits if we don't ask for them. Large pay raises are unlikely, but last year, everyone got a bit more leave time, and a small weight room in the building. I find myself unhappy and dissatisfied, and not knowing what to ask for. So I'm asking you, who have worked in a variety of places:
What perks has a company provided that you really felt good about? (We already have health insurance and bus passes.) I'm especially curious about small or medium-sized things that improved your quality of life or gave you a warm fuzzy feeling about working for the company. If there's something big and expensive that made a huge difference to you, tell me about that too. *shrug* Might as well ask.
In your experience, what has helped make groups feel more friendly and collegial? I'm particularly concerned with a 8-12 person group, whose work is divided among several (more or less related) projects.
My boss is trying to improve morale. Group lunches are nice, certainly. Bringing in potted plants for the desks of everyone who wants one is also nice. (I'm not sure if I should...I think I managed to neglect my poor aloe to death.) He wants to send everyone to at least one professional development event a year, preferrably two -- conferences or trade shows. I admit to thinking those would be great opportunities for job search networking, if I only had the aforementioned energy.
My boss is starting to ask what the company can do to improve morale. He pointed out that we won't get perks or benefits if we don't ask for them. Large pay raises are unlikely, but last year, everyone got a bit more leave time, and a small weight room in the building. I find myself unhappy and dissatisfied, and not knowing what to ask for. So I'm asking you, who have worked in a variety of places:
In your experience, what has helped make groups feel more friendly and collegial? I'm particularly concerned with a 8-12 person group, whose work is divided among several (more or less related) projects.
