"One Size Fits One", the title of an article in CLO magazine, discusses the importance of making the engagement in the workplace of utmost importance.  In order to do that, the article suggests that the workplace be "customizable and flexible", especially on issues like where and when employees accomplish their agendas, how they pursue and have access to further education and training, and how and when they progress through the workforce hierarchy.  The idea is that employees whose needs are met, who are challenged, and who feel comfortably engaged will become loyal to the employer. 

I agree that the ideal, utopian workplace is one where each individual is treated as such and valued for that individuality.  Where thoughts are encouraged, where hard times are understood, where ideals are shared, where folks feel at home....these are the hallmarks of such a workplace.  This type of environment is fostered through intentionality, being intentional about cultivating the potential within each individual.

But is this too lofty a goal?  Part of me thinks that the workplace just described is just a figment of my imagination, while the other, hard-working, part of me wants to say 'suck it up, it's a job not a marriage, you go to work to get paid and hopefully to enjoy it in the process but not to be fulfilled and completely satisfied'.  What happened to the ideal of hard work for the value of a job well done?  It doesn't require any stroking or exceptions, it requires that you show up and do what is expected of you, sometimes more but never less than that.   This generation of entitlement may have gotten it's claws too deep into the workforce.  We ought to be grateful for the job we have, not spending time wishing it was something it is not.