Why Attrition and Motivation Weren't Major Issues 30 Years Ago—And What Can We Learn

I was talking to my father who is more than 80 years old now and worked for Tata Steel for more than 35 years before retiring. I asked him what made him stay that long in a single company. It is not that he didn’t have alternate options that were more lucrative. He had many such offers which he declined. It was something else. He told me that the company was his family and no one leaves his family for a little more money or because one is unhappy with another family member or with a senior in the family or with what the family has to offer in the short-term. They sat down and settled these issues because they were in this for the long haul.

That set me thinking! While the new age organisations focus on concepts like IQ, EQ, AQ, SQ, Engagement, Purpose-driven work, Continuous learning opportunities etc., are there any simple concepts of the past that are still relevant but we are ignoring. Can corporates reincorporate some of these concepts to create a more balanced, loyal, and motivated workforce. Here are some thoughts:

1. Loyalty and Long-Term Commitment

• Past Value: Employees often spent their entire careers with one company, fostering a deep sense of loyalty and long-term commitment.
• Reincorporation: Corporates can foster this by offering clear career progression paths, long-term benefits, and creating a culture where employees feel valued and part of something bigger. Recognizing and rewarding long-term service can also reinforce loyalty.

2. Work-Life Balance

• Past Value: There was a clearer separation between work and personal life. Work was important, but it was not expected to consume all aspects of one’s life.
• Reincorporation: Encourage work-life balance through flexible working hours, remote work options, and ensuring that employees have time to recharge. A well-rested employee is often more productive and engaged.

3. Face-to-Face Communication

• Past Value: Before the digital era, communication was largely face-to-face, which helped build stronger relationships and trust.
• Reincorporation: While digital communication is essential today, creating opportunities for in-person interactions, whether through regular meetings, team-building activities, or casual social events, can help strengthen bonds within the team.

4. Mentorship and Apprenticeship

• Past Value: Experienced workers took younger employees under their wing, passing on knowledge and skills through mentorship.
• Reincorporation: Implementing mentorship programs can help bridge the knowledge gap between generations, while also giving younger employees a clear pathway for growth and development.

5. Craftsmanship and Pride in Work

• Past Value: There was a strong emphasis on quality and taking pride in one’s work. Employees were craftsmen in their fields and valued the quality of their output.
• Reincorporation: Encourage a culture of craftsmanship by valuing quality over quantity, recognising excellent work, and promoting a mindset of continuous improvement. Celebrate achievements and the hard work that goes into producing high-quality outcomes.

6. Community and Family Values

• Past Value: Companies often felt like communities or extended families, where everyone knew each other and there was a strong sense of belonging.
• Reincorporation: Build a sense of community within the workplace by fostering inclusivity, supporting social connections among employees, and emphasising a caring, people-first approach in management.

7. Stability and Predictability

• Past Value: The workplace offered stability, with clear expectations and a predictable work environment, which reduced stress and uncertainty.
• Reincorporation: Provide stability through transparent communication, consistent leadership, and clear expectations. This can help reduce anxiety and create a more secure environment where employees feel safe to innovate and take risks.

By reincorporating these values, companies can create a more supportive, loyal, and motivated workforce, blending the best of the old with the innovations of the new.