With the limited number of positions available encouraging a competitive mindset, co-workers are more likely to engage in rivalries and related behavior.
Almost half of senior management personnel believe that employees are behaving more competitively with each other than they did a decade ago, according to a survey. More than 1,000 such individuals were polled by telephone in the study, conducted last year by Office Team. Of these, less than 4 percent said that employees are less competitive than they were a decade past.
High unemployment and limited opportunities have honed workers' competitive edge. Difficulties in the housing market and the broader economy may also have made them more aware of the financial challenges and pressures that can come to bear on an individual or household. While not necessarily adopting negative attitudes toward their peers, workers are trying to distinguish themselves in positive ways so that they will be kept in their positions if someone's employment has to be terminated, NBC notes.
While the competitive drive can push employees to work harder or accomplish more, it may prove problematic when attempting to put together a team or push forward on a group project. Managers and supervisors may have to keep an eye on those under their authority to ensure their attitudes remain conducive to productivity and teamwork.
Working with shifting attitudes and their effects
HR leaders and managers can help to mold attitudes and the atmosphere in several ways. While it may be appropriate to praise individuals for their accomplishments, compliments on teamwork, communication and coordination may help to remind employees that they need to stay focused on collaboration. Giving any rewards to the team, rather than individuals, may also help.
Taking steps like these could help to develop a cooperative spirit. At the same time, competition between employees is not automatically a bad thing. As long as those involved remain friendly or professional and stay focused on doing their best, rather than working against each other, powerful motivation may yield beneficial results for the business.
Employers may see several other changes also taking place. While employee benefits remain valuable, particularly healthcare coverage as the cost of personal policies rises, workers are likely to focus more on salaries in tough times. This simplified view of compensation arises because they are concerned about making mortgage or student loan payments and other core financial commitments.
