What makes the best employee for a nonprofit job? If you ask some managers, it's an individual who hates their job (and/or boss) with a burning passion but is also fearful of losing it, and is unwilling to put up much resistance as a result.
That kind of person might be easier for nonprofit managers to deal with, but there are actually tangible benefits to be had from happier employees.
Erin Teter, a senior human resource business partner for Sage North America, says that overwhelming research shows that happy employees are better to have around than unhappy employees? She listed the following reasons:
- Happy people are more productive and, since they enjoy their job, are unlikely to take many "sick days."
- Happy employees are better equipped to handle workplace relationships, stress and change.
- Rather than looking for a new job, happy employees will want to stay so they can grow within the organization. This will also save valuable money, as the cost of hiring and training new employees can vary from 25 percent to 200 percent of annual compensation.
- In the nonprofit sector, happy employees lead to donor loyalty. They treat donors and clients well because they are engaged in the organization and want to see it succeed.
