Unlocking the Secrets of an Irresistible Workplace

Ever wondered what truly makes a workplace tick? Sure, fancy ping pong tables and nap pods are nice perks, but what makes a company’s culture truly irresistible to talented people? The answer lies in understanding what features people need, want, and what makes them excited (and what might not even register).

This is where the Kano Model comes in.

Developed by Professor Noriaki Kano in the 1980s, the Kano Model is a tool used to categorise customer (or in our case, employee) preferences. By plotting features on a graph, it reveals what aspects of the workplace are:

• Basic Needs: These are the foundational elements employees expect, and their absence leads to dissatisfaction. Think: competitive salary, health insurance, paid time off.
• Wants: These are features employees desire, but their absence wouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Examples might be flexible work arrangements, casual dress code, or on-site fitness centers.
• Exciters (Delight Factors): These are unexpected features that create a positive surprise and boost employee satisfaction. Think: generous family leave policies, profit-sharing, or unique team-building activities.

By understanding these categories, you can tailor your offerings to what truly matters to your people. Here’s how:

• Prioritise Resources: Focus on fulfilling basic needs first. A happy employee with a great salary is better than an unhappy one with a free smoothie bar.
• Go Beyond the Expected: Don’t just offer wants – many competitors likely do too. Identify what excites your target talent pool and incorporate those elements.
• Uncover Hidden Gems: The Kano Model can help uncover hidden desires. Maybe it’s not free lunches, but on-site childcare that would truly make a difference.

Putting the Kano Model into Action

Here’s how to get started:

1. Brainstorm Features: Gather a group of employees to brainstorm a list of workplace features, benefits, and perks.
2. Survey and Rank: Develop a survey where employees rank each feature on a scale of “like to have,” “must-have,” or “indifferent.”
3. Plot the Points: Based on the survey results, categorise features on a Kano Model graph.
4. Develop Strategies: Use the Kano Model to develop strategies to address each category.

The Kano Model is a starting point, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your people’s needs and desires will evolve over time. Regularly revisit the model and conduct surveys to make sure your workplace stays attractive and irresistible to top talent.

By understanding what makes your people tick, you can create a work environment that not only retains talent but fosters a culture of satisfaction and engagement. After all, happy employees are productive employees, and that’s a win-win for everyone.