What is modern employership?
In modern employment, it is not the demands of the employer but the wishes of the employee that are central. How can the employer facilitate an employee's job satisfaction? This requires a lot of flexibility from an employer. That can, especially if this way of working has not yet been implemented, take a bit of extra time, but it also yields a lot: employees who are loyal to the company, and who also see long-term opportunities to continue to develop themselves. That is, especially in a market where job-hopping is tempting, a very desirable outcome for an employer.
Examples of modern employer practices
Modern employer practices are increasingly being applied. Not only companies, but also governments are getting to work with it. The Municipality of The Hague, for example, has elevated modern employer practices to the norm. In a interview vertelde project leader Michael van Zant what modern employer practices mean according to him: “Modern Employer Practices are about a lot, but if you ask me it's about putting the employee at the center and giving the employee control over their own direction.” The municipality encourages employees to engage in open conversations about how they would most like to shape their work and what is needed for that. They are challenged to jointly chart a path that ensures they have and continue to have enjoyment in their work.
Modern employership is based on collaboration
A directive style of leadership does not fit with modern employer practices. Equality is an important factor for this way of being an employer. Employee and employer together take responsibility for an employee's well-being. This means that the employee also personally has the responsibility to initiate the conversation about matters that bother him or her or hinder him or her in performing the work.
Also in the area of career planning and giving shape and substance to a role, an employee is expected to adopt a proactive attitude. In modern employment practices there is always co-creation: together you create the perfect conditions that make it possible for an employee's qualities to flourish. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy: attention is paid to what is most suitable for the individual. This can involve small changes, such as working from home, but also a new interpretation of a role.
Modern employer practices as a means to combat absenteeism
Modern employer practices are not only an important way to prevent job-hopping; they can also help lower absenteeism. By giving employees autonomy and control over their role and career, they will experience less stress and the likelihood that they will be absent is smaller. When people feel they have space, that often also benefits their creativity. Modern employer practices turn employees into entrepreneurs who can operate independently.
