A Good Boss, Meaning What Exactly?

According to the calendar of unusual holidays, October 16th is celebrated as Boss's Day. Although the holiday is most popular in the United States, it serves as an inspiration to look at what characterizes a good boss in the opinion of people employed in Poland. As many as 74 percent of employees believe that the most important traits of a good boss are being fair and demanding, mobilizing others to action – according to the report "Four Personalities – One Labor Market" prepared by Sodexo and Antal.

Undoubtedly, a good boss knows the needs and expectations of employees, because thanks to that they can support and motivate their team and individual employees. From the data included in the report "Four Personalities – One Labor Market" prepared by Antal and Sodexo Benefits
and Rewards Services Polska, it follows that 66 percent of employees expect maximum freedom from their boss, and thus want to be "thrown in at the deep end." More than half of the respondents (57 percent) believe that a boss does not have to be an expert in their field, because they should focus on supporting the team, removing bureaucratic obstacles, and organizing work. Interestingly, although for 97 percent of respondents a relaxed and direct atmosphere at work is crucial, only 26 percent of those surveyed consider being friendly and caring about the atmosphere to be the most important trait of a good boss.

Employees are the key value of every company; the position and market reputation of the organization depend on their competences, commitment, job satisfaction, and effectiveness. An important link connecting employees with the organization is the boss. This is especially true in light of the increasingly visible belief that work is what you do, not a specific place where we spend eight hours. The boss faces more and more challenges related to managing generational groups, as well as changes in the labor market in the face of the fourth industrial revolution. Therefore, when assessing a boss's work, it is worth looking at their tasks and possibilities in a broader context, i.e., organizational culture and the organization's management model. Especially since the boss of a start-up, a family company, a company listed on the Stock Exchange, or one representing a turquoise organization has different goals and work styles – said Katarzyna Turska, Director of Human Resources Management at Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services Polska.

Four Dimensions of Employer Attractiveness

The report cited above indicates that in the opinion of people working in Poland, there are four dimensions of every employer's attractiveness – financial, developmental, social, and also based on the candidate's interests. The financial dimension consists of both remuneration and a package of non-wage benefits. For 73 percent of respondents, stability and predictability of remuneration are crucial. The ability to choose and tailor non-wage benefits to one's own needs is important for 69 percent of employees – and these may relate to the need for development and the interests of a given candidate. A good boss and a desirable employer will take care not only of the financial or development-related aspect, but also of the social dimension. Nearly 79 percent of people employed in Poland declare that they would gladly participate in social and charitable activities organized by their employer. This is another hint flowing from the report "Four Personalities – One Labor Market" for bosses who want to gain in the eyes of their subordinates.

The image of a good employer and a socially responsible company is an important point distinguishing a company from the competition. In times of the employee market, employers more willingly reach for systemic solutions. This is also visible in the case of choosing holiday gifts, which are meant to hit emotional needs related to the financial and social dimensions, while at the same time supporting the fulfillment of the individual needs of the employed person. That is why from October to December many companies, from corporations, through large and medium-sized firms, to small family businesses, decide to purchase the Gift Card with Pajacyk. Every 10 Sodexo Gift Cards from the limited Pajacyk series ordered by an employer means one meal for a child covered by the program. It is a gift with a specific financial value, accompanied by a range of discounts prepared by the card's partners and support for a specific social group – malnourished children – said Katarzyna Turska, Director of Human Resources Management at Sodexo Benefits and Rewards Services Polska.

Many factors influence the opinion about a company and a boss, and undoubtedly they are a combination of rational ones, relating to data, and emotional ones, connected with employees' feelings and previous experiences. The fact is that in the era of rapid information exchange, the opinion about a company also changes quickly. Therefore, a good boss is an investment in the company's image and its market position, which is worth remembering not only on holidays.

 

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Summary

From the report "Four Personalities – One Labor Market" prepared by Sodexo and Antal, it follows that for 74 percent of employees the most important traits of a good boss are fairness and the ability to mobilize others to action. At the same time, 66 percent expect maximum freedom from their supervisor, and for 97 percent a direct atmosphere at work is crucial, although only 26 percent consider being friendly a priority.

The report distinguishes four dimensions of employer attractiveness: financial, developmental, social, and based on interests. An interesting fact is that nearly 79 percent of employees would gladly participate in charitable activities organized by the company, which may be an important hint for bosses building their image.