by Ashley Ward
Discretionary effort is the extra effort that an employee puts in above and beyond their required duties. It’s the energy, enthusiasm and passion that employees bring to their work that can make a significant difference in the success of an organization. It’s not something that can be demanded or required, but rather something that must be willingly given. Discretionary effort is an essential element in creating a high-performing and engaged workforce.
Employers should encourage and foster an environment where employees feel motivated to contribute discretionary effort. Employees who go the extra mile are likely to have a positive impact on the workplace and improve the organization’s overall performance. They often demonstrate behaviors such as helping colleagues, improving processes, taking on additional responsibilities, and proactively seeking opportunities to add value. These employees have a sense of ownership and pride in their work and their contributions to the organization.
Having employees with discretionary effort is particularly important in today’s competitive business environment. Organizations that can leverage the power of their workforce to achieve strategic goals and objectives have a distinct advantage. In addition, employees who contribute discretionary effort are more engaged and less likely to leave their jobs. This can lead to a more stable and productive workforce.
To get the right employees in the right seat, employers should measure key behaviors that make them a natural fit for their role. Assessing an employee’s natural behavioral tendencies can help employers understand how they are likely to behave in different situations. This information can be used to ensure that employees are placed in roles where they are most likely to thrive and contribute their discretionary effort. For example, an employee with a natural tendency to be outgoing and assertive may be well-suited for a sales role, while an employee with a natural tendency to be detail-oriented and analytical may be better suited for a data analysis role.
In summary, discretionary effort is the extra effort that employees willingly contribute above and beyond their required duties. It is important for employers to encourage and foster an environment that values and rewards discretionary effort. Having employees with discretionary effort is essential for creating a high-performing and engaged workforce, which can ultimately lead to a more competitive and successful organization.
Do you want to learn more about the right behavioral tools to measure discretionary effort and give your company a competitive edge? Contact us today.
