University of British Columbia Canada Workplace Attractors Norman Amundson University of British Columbia Canada amundson@interchange.ubc.ca

Security Financial rewards Benefits Physical safety Position security

Location Physical place (close to family / friends; an interesting place; convenient) Aesthetics Healthy workplace

Relationships Interpersonal connections with co-workers, supervisors or managers, clients / customers, family and friends Working alone or in groups

Recognition Being associated with a company that has a good reputation The expression of appreciation and value for work that is being done well

Contribution Being engaged in meaningful work that is ethical, worthwhile and makes a difference Sense of purpose and meaning

Work Fit Work that fits well with interests Work that is aligned with skills / talents Work that fits with personality Work that fits with values

Flexibility Work that allows time off for child care needs and health concerns Work that provides sufficient time for professional development The general fulfillment of greater life / work balance

Learning Provision for adequate training for doing the job The opportunity for intellectual stimulation and new learning Training and involvement in new and challenging activities where learning is maximized

Responsibility Having authority and autonomy to make decisions Working with minimal direction from others Being trusted to assume greater responsibility Being in a position to influence others

Innovation Building something new Being able to create a vision and then work towards its implementation Creativity, problem solving and pioneering effort

Chaos Theory: Emergent Work Attraction Patterns From Predictability Point attractor - goal setting Pendulum attractor - a second option Torus attractor - career/life stages To Possibility Strange attractor - uncertainty, unpredictability, ongoing change

Attractor Shifts Changing values: age, gender, culture Developmental changes: tipping point; role shifts; traumatic events

When Attractors Don’t Match Questions About: Motivation, Work Ethic, Ambition, Commitment, Maturity, Stability, Depth, Self Esteem, Warmth, Decision Making, Creativity

Exploring Workplace Attractors Review model. Meaning associated with the workplace attractors.. Relative importance. Changes over time - past and future. Perspectives of family and friends. How will workplace attractors influence the career journey.

Aligning Workplace Attractors Career Guidance (Guiding Circles) Mentorship Coaching

New HR Tool: Workplace Attractor Questionnaire Self Assessment 40 Questions Workplace Attraction Profile Discussion with Others

The Three “R’s” Readiness Recruitment Retention

Establishing Readiness Employers Be more proactive / take the first step Collaborate Shift expectations (tolerance) Increase cultural awareness Workers Improve life and career skills Increase self awareness Build self esteem

Countries - Security / Location Canada - 46 USA - 51 Denmark - 80 Sweden - 49 Greece - 21 N. Canada - 34 Canada - 59 USA - 64 Denmark - 88 Sweden - 73 Greece - 65 N. Canada - 76

Relationships / Recognition Canada - 11 USA - 19 Denmark - 10 Sweden - 3 Greece - 16 N. Canada - 10 Canada - 53 USA - 70 Denmark - 33 Sweden - 35 Greece - 44 N. Canada - 52

Contribution / Work Fit Canada - 9 USA - 4 Denmark - 6 Sweden - 22 Greece - 16 N. Canada - 7 Canada - 13 USA - 6 Denmark - 23 Sweden - 19 Greece - 15 N. Canada - 45

Flexibility / Learning Canada - 21 USA - 13 Denmark - 31 Sweden - 30 Greece - 26 N. Canada - 31 Canada - 20 USA - 9 Denmark - 8 Sweden - 9 Greece - 10 N. Canada - 10

Responsibility / Innovation Canada - 27 USA - 43 Denmark - 9 Sweden - 14 Greece - 50 N. Canada - 3 Canada - 40 USA - 21 Denmark - 13 Sweden - 46 Greece - 31 N. Canada - 31