The key to business success

Citation

Huillier, B.L. (2013), "The key to business success", Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Vol. 26 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-03-2013-1260

The key to business success

Article Type: Literature and insights From: Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Volume 26, Issue 6

We’re told “constant communication”

Is the key to business success.

So we hold staff meetings

We send memos and staff newsletters,

We put in suggestion boxes.

But still we’re told we don’t listen to the staff,

We don’t hear what they have to say,

We don’t engage!

We’re told a “happy healthy workforce”

Is the key to business success.

So we instigate wellness programs,

We tell our staff to adopt a healthy lifestyle

We insist they have a “good” work-life balance.

But still our staff claim they feel stressed,

That they are tired,

That they feel burnt out!

We’re told “staff who feel valued”

Is the key to business success.

So we acknowledge their birthdays in the newsletter,

We send them Christmas cards,

We provide Christmas and New Year parties.

But still our staff say they feel marginalized

That they feel faceless and nameless

That they are simply a cog in the company wheel!

What is the “key” to business success?

What is it that staff want?

What is it that will make them happy?

What is it that will make them productive?

What is it that will make them feel connected?

We employ HR experts to tell us

We follow their advice,

But still the “key” eludes us!

Barbara L. Huillier

Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia