Are you only surviving at your job or are you thriving at work?

Every year the folks at O.C. Tanner release their Global Culture Report. This is an insightful look across the world at how organizations of all types are holding up in terms of developing strong cultures. In last year’s report, one element that O.C. Tanner explored was whether employees are thriving at work or merely surviving. How do they define the difference between the two states? Below is an excerpt from the report’s introduction.

People who are merely surviving feel anxious, financially uncertain, doubtful of growth opportunities, and pessimistic about the future. Their struggles at work impact their ability to survive outside of work. As an employee in one focus group said, “Not surviving at work will affect everything to a point where it’s scary.”

Contrast that with people who are thriving. They feel their organization cares about their mental health, they work in a cooperative workplace, and they have opportunities for growth and mentorship along a clearly defined career advancement path. They have hope.

How does an organization move its employees from a survival situation to a thriving state? O.C. Tanner suggests using what it calls a Total Rewards strategy.

The modern workplace requires a Total Rewards strategy designed to help employees survive and thrive. Rather than provide an exhaustive list of offerings, organizations should prioritize meeting employees’ basic needs, and the goal of Total Rewards should be to demonstrate how the organization cares and wants everyone to thrive at work.

Categorically speaking, offerings like competitive compensation and health benefits are considered basic, help provide financial stability, and meet survival needs. Offerings such as career development and skill building move beyond the required to provide long-term growth and satisfy other criteria to thrive. Interestingly, recognition is a practice that provides a bridge to help employees feel seen and valued at any stage of surviving or thriving. Keeping these distinctions top of mind helps Total Rewards leaders prioritize care at the core of their compensation and benefits mix.

To learn more about the Total Rewards strategy, please read the rest of the O.C. Tanner Culture Report Introduction.