‘What Attracts and Retain Employees?’
This entry is inspired by the ever caring and patient Mrs Tit. I was informed by one of my informers, that you, Mrs Tit, would like some comments on this particular topic. Since you are such a nice tutor who was always there, giving me sound advice, on academic matters or otherwise, I thought I give you my two cents worth on it. So yours truly, initiated a conversation with Limin, Joy and Vel while we were on the train, on ‘What Attract and Retains Employees?’ The outcome?
1) Learning opportunities and job prospects.
2) Salary must be at least of market rate, but Vel Emphasizes that she really would like a job that pays above the market rate.
3) The working environment should ideally be friendly in a sense that they give you the basic respect as a fellow colleague and not constantly pick on you.
However, in the middle of our discussion, Vel brought up a very good point (at least that’s what I think). She mentioned ‘Entertainment Allowance’ and her reason? ‘Just in case I need to entertain the clients mah!’ (I must say, Vel, sometimes, you just amuse me). I know for a fact that ‘Entertainment Allowance’ was never mentioned in IEMP. Im curious on how this ‘Entertainment Allowance’ works, so will someone please enlighten me on this issue? Maybe Miss Jac Fong? Anyone?
Personally, I feel that it is most important to have interest in the job and be passionate about it. Or else, you will not make it in the long run. This applies to most jobs, if not all, including being teacher /lecturer.
I was watching ‘Get Real’ on CNA on Monday night and they were on the topic of ‘Burned Out Teachers’ and it got me thinking. The statistics show that ‘Some 600 teachers or 2.5% of the teaching workforce quit the profession each year.’ It was also mentioned that a significant number of teachers quit after serving their 3 year bond. One of the issues highlighted was, with the ranking system in place, teachers are more ‘pressured’ to ensure that the students produce the results that the school ‘desire’, not only academically but also in CCAs. (For more insights, do catch the re-run tomorrow, 21 Sept, at 5.30pm on CNA)
This program also reminds me of my not so smooth sailing secondary school days. I wonder… what kind of h*** did I put my teachers through? Especially to this particular teacher, who seems to be ‘constantly’ picking on me. To be fair, I was ‘naughty’ (ahem ahem) back then. Bad Bad taz...So I guess I deserve it in some ways. But hey, I turned out fine. Im a Business Studies Graduate from NP! Steady ar!
So to Mrs Tit, Ms Rosa Koh, Ms Jocelyn Soh and Ms Jacqueline Fong, Taz salutes each and everyone of you lecturers. Kudos to you all. May the FORCE be with you whenever you are lecturing and tutoring.
P.S: Why are the other tutors not posting any entry here? This is sad, sad, sad.