“We don’t get paid enough.”
Ask anybody starting out in media and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t have a view about the level of pay within the industry. But is it the issue of money which drives the industry’s high staff turnover?
As someone who has only recently entered into media – three months ago, to be exact – I have observed a trend that affects those new to the industry quite dramatically and, surprisingly, money is not at the centre of the issue. What creates churn (outside the issue of burn-out) is that in cases where work is not presented as meaningful or fulfilling, the default measure of job satisfaction is quantified by money. Permit me to elaborate.
As clients face pressure to do more with less money, agencies naturally continue to demand more from their employees to not only meet, but exceed their clients’ expectations.
With this in mind, it is tempting to rustle those in junior positions into the “production line”, and get them working to full capacity as soon as humanly possible. While it may be efficient in the short term, it is this type of management mentality that can lead to a turnover that is well above the natural rate of the industry. Employers appear to be more than capable at equipping staff with what to do and how to do it; however, what is often missing is the bigger picture (the why) – and this is a huge omission.
Agencies fluctuate as clients come or go, and so it must be lean to deal with sudden changes brought on by wins and losses. As newcomers, that is the truth of our chosen industry and one that we choose to accept when we walk in the door on our first day.
I consider myself to be extremely lucky, as my experience to date appears to be atypical compared to the average experience of a junior within the industry, many of whom I have talked with casually at training and NGen events. Not only am I a hybrid analyst (online and offline), but my colleagues and I have been afforded opportunities to speak with seniors in the company.
I am puzzled why that does not seem to be the norm, and I believe the industry as a whole needs to improve in its ability to inspire, and cultivate the passion that newcomers bring to their work. It is a win-win strategy.
It doesn’t cost anything to explain the bigger picture, but it might cost you your staff if you don’t.
Paul Lui
Media Analyst
MEC