Greg Zoch, a managing director at Kaye/Bassman, an executive search firm for ASCs and other companies, discusses four primary drivers that motivate people to switch jobs, in order of importance.
1. New challenge. Far more than pay, people are interested in a job that will capture their enthusiasm. However, a challenge means different things to different people. For example, some ASC administrators might get excited about the opportunity to turn a surgery center around while others would get enthusiastic about building a new center or recruiting physicians to build volume. "The key is understanding what makes each person tick," Mr. Zoch says.
2. New people. "Working with people you really enjoy is a powerful incentive to join a company, just as working with people you don't like is a powerful incentive to leave," Mr. Zoch says. Personal relationships are integral in a small business like a surgery center. The concept of people is not just about personalities but also about the culture of the organization. "Culture is a key motivator for most people," Mr. Zoch says. "The culture of an organization is more than just the sum of all the personalities. It is a shared vision of what the team values and how they see the future together."
3. Compensation. While getting a pay raise is great, happiness is more important. "You could be making $100,000 a year but that's not going to matter if you are miserable or dread even getting out of bed in the morning," Mr. Zoch says. "I've seen people take pay cuts in order to move their career forward." In addition to salary, benefits can matter a great deal to some people. Someone close to retirement, for example, will be very interested in a 401(k) plan and whether the company matches contributions.
4. Location. Having a longer commute might be a negative factor, but it is less important than liking your job once you get there. "Would you rather drive around the corner to a so-so place to eat or 25 miles to a five-star restaurant?" Mr. Zoch asks. However, location can be very important for some people, such as baby-boomers who want to move near an aging parent or away from harsh winters or sweltering summers.
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