By Sophia P. Nasher

As employees, we spend a significant portion of our day at the workplace. From the morning up until the evening, we are confronted with deadlines by our bosses, meetings with our colleagues, and demands from our clients. As individuals within the workplace, we like for our hard work to receive a proper acknowledgement and sometimes a pat on the back can help us keep on track. We strive to establish a reciprocal relationship with our bosses, one in which we both grow at a professional and personal level. And in order to grow, constructive criticism is essential but what is equally essential are accolades, praise and recognition from our superiors. But the reality is, this is not always done. According to an article published in the Gallup Journal, the number one reason people leave their workplace is because of issues with their supervisor. Specifically, it is because employees feel like they are not appreciated and do not receive recognition for the hard work they put forth. As a result, employees either end up being less productive or leave the organization. A disengaged and unhappy employee not only costs the company but costs the country as well.

Why is that? According to the report, a lack of productivity costs the U.S. economy a sweeping $300 billon. This number is costly given tight budgets and high unemployment rates. The best way to battle disengagement and unhappiness in the workplace is through good leadership. In order to truly understand good leadership, it may be helpful to understand the common attributes of a bad leader; or in other words, what not to do. According to a recent news article, the common traits of a bad boss include one that bullies their employees, doesn’t pay them sufficiently, and doesn’t respect their privacy or legal rights. Organizations that have fared well amidst the recession are not necessarily the organizations that have invested in the latest technology, but the ones that have invested in human capital practices. In a recent Forbes publication, the companies that came out on the top of the list invested about 30 to 40 percent more on human capital leadership training than other organizations. What makes an employee stay is the support of a good leader who offers regular praise and accolades.