The study showed what motivates office workers to earn more than € 1,000

These trends were shown by a survey of Lithuanian office workers conducted by the market research and public opinion company Spinter tyrimai this year, according to a press release. Furthermore, while more and more initiatives are expected from companies to address social and environmental challenges, only a quarter of office workers would agree to work for a company that contributes to global prosperity for a lower salary.

Sigita Žvirblytė, sustainability director at Vinted, who initiated the study, says that global trends show different experiences: the business mission to improve the world encourages employees to work more productively, which is also encouraged by the growing sector circular economy business. .

Social responsibility is at the bottom of employee priorities

The survey of Lithuanian office workers, initiated by Europe’s largest online second-hand fashion trading platform, sought to find out employee views on teleworking and employee motivation. Respondents earning more than 1000 euros per month participated in a representative survey of office employees in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda carried out together with Spinter tyrimai.

“The survey aimed to find out what are the main factors that motivate office workers to work in the workplace, what gives them meaning at work. Research results showed that Lithuanian office employees continue to be more motivated by pragmatic and practical things, from money and extra rest to office-provided values ​​such as free coffee and snacks. Meanwhile, business assistance in solving global problems and a socially responsible approach to choosing a workplace remain outside the motivating factors for the moment, ”says Ignas Zokas, director of the company that conducted the research.

According to the research, the main reason for Lithuanians to work is still financial incentive. The most motivating factor at work was 77 percent. office workers consider a higher monthly salary, and financial bonuses for good job results are also important for half of those surveyed. Incentive measures also include additional vacation or flexible work arrangements, additional health insurance, and more.

When asked what things are most associated with meaningful work, up to 72 percent. Employees at the Lithuanian offices indicated the ability to clearly see the results of their activities. Being able to choose between several response options, 7 out of 10 respondents also indicated that it is important for them to grow as professionals at work, and for almost half, meaningful work is that which is rewarded with money.

Matching work to personal values ​​was important to 38 percent. survey participants, and even fewer respondents: 18 percent. – considers that meaningful work is that which contributes to solving various social problems. The study also sought to find out how much attention office staff pay to the socially responsible mission and purpose of the organization in which they work. When asked if they would agree to work for a lower salary if they could get a job at a company that is more focused on solving societal, environmental, and other problems, a large chunk: 66 percent. – respondents indicated a negative answer. Although up to a quarter of respondents would agree to work for a lower salary if the difference does not exceed 10%, only one in 100 respondents would agree to work in a workplace with a noble mission by one fifth less.

There are differences in global trends.

According to S. Žvirblytė, the results reflected in the survey of Lithuanian office workers show that, although the public expresses interest in socially responsible business initiatives, they have not yet become a top priority when choosing an employer . However, S. Žvirblytė says that internationally, these data are different: more and more often we are turning not only to the financial motivation of employees, but also to the promotion of the contribution to global well-being.

Foreign data shows that one of the five largest companies in the world has set a goal in its strategy to become environmentally neutral companies by 2050. to get closer to zero emissions and to commit to offsetting the rest in other ways. Additionally, a Harvard Business Review study from a few years ago found that corporate social responsibility actions, such as sustainability initiatives, corporate support funds, employee volunteer programs, or charitable donations, can be an important tool for engaging and motivating people. the employees. Another trend is not only the desire to choose a meaningful employer, but also the conscious choice not to work in unsustainable companies. For example, a few years ago in France up to 20 thousand. Students from 5 universities signed a manifesto not to work in highly polluting companies.

“Global trends and research show that various business efforts to contribute to global improvement or sustainability, as well as promoting employees through non-financial means and participating in initiatives benefiting the global community, increase productivity, loyalty of employees and even reduce wage cartels. Therefore, meaningful work is no longer just one that brings financial well-being, but also one in which one can view the results of their work as a contribution to the development of public welfare or an aid to solving global problems. We also notice this among our colleagues, who are drawn primarily by the opportunity to change the world through their daily actions and contribute to our mission of making second-hand items the consumer’s first choice in the world ”, says S. Žvirblytė.

Growing focus on responsible consumption

However, according to S. Žvirblytė, the change in Lithuania is taking place gradually; Although, based on research results, other things at work are prioritized, progress can be seen in personal life choices.

“People are making more and more sustainable decisions. Consumers, especially the younger generation, are increasingly inclined not to throw away, but to reuse or buy used items, seeking more environmentally friendly solutions for life and life. everyday consumption. This is due to a greater focus on the climate crisis and biodiversity loss and the choices of the younger generation, who are more concerned that the brand they buy from does not conflict with their values. In the long run, these new emerging habits should also foster career choices and values, on the basis of which we choose an employer, ”says S. Žvirblytė.

The specialist adds that these future trends are also reflected in the constant growth of the company: the platform already operates in 15 European and world markets, where it has gathered more than 45 million. community of members. The company recently raised a new record of $ 250 million. an investment that will help attract more people to the circular economy, as well as further expansion in Europe and the world.

“We currently have around 1,000 employees in four countries and have been actively recruited during the pandemic. However, we are not stopping here: we have set a goal of employing several hundred new people by the end of this year, a large portion of all of which are in Lithuania. Perhaps more opportunities at work to become part of real support for environmental protection will be one more incentive for country office employees to evaluate responsible business initiatives as a motivating factor at work. ” , says S. Žvirblytė.