Organizations today want to create an environment where employees positively challenge each other and work toward creating a work schedule that is focused on competition and motivation. Business owners have also realized the fine line that exists between motivating employees and creating a culture focused on negative forces of competition where employees come to believe that they can only succeed by belittling other members.
A competitive workplace can be both, the best thing possible and a massive chink in the armory for most firms today. It either motivates employees or creates a workforce culture that is damaging for your organization currently and one which can also damage your chances of bringing positive talent to your organization in the foreseeable future.
In this article, we look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of competitive rivalry in the workplace. Go through these and determine whether it is worth it.
Advantage: Incentivizes the Team
HR teams previously thought that an increment and the thought of extra money is perhaps the biggest incentive to shift employees into the next gear. While the importance of salary and monetary benefits is hidden from none, it is also true that human resource managers have realized the other benefits that play a role in incentivizing growth and helping employees move into the second gear.
Positive competition between employees over who is able to bring in the greatest number of sales during a quarter or a specific month can help breed positive competition and can also help your organization develop and increase revenue in the meantime.
Disadvantage: Anxiety
The thought of competition in the workplace can trigger the anxiety levels of many employees. The thought that they will be competing against one another can lead to pangs of anxiety and can be tough to manage for managers.
Advantage: Quality Work
They say competitive environments bring the best out of employees because they fuel both, productivity and creativity. When someone wants to win and prove themselves better, they are more likely to use their creative cells and think of ways to improve the quality of their offerings.
Disadvantage: Poor Team Morale
Competitive rivalry can significantly dent the team morale and culture of your organization. Employees feel like they’re at loggerheads and aren’t able to maintain the kind of positive competition they require. The rapport and teamwork between employees is damaged and everyone is involved in the rat race.
We at JS Benefits Group have worked with numerous clients to implement standards of positive competition in the workplace. You can get in touch with JS Benefits Group immediately to discuss and devise a plan.
