What makes a particular operation a good place to work? That's a question I've pondered for about a quarter of a century at least when it comes to news operations which is where most of my experience omes from.
Good ratings help but I've worked at Number 1 stations and for strong Number 2 operations and there's still a lot of grumbling. It seems that so much money has to be spent to achieve the Number 1 slot that there's little money to go around for the "worker bees". I still remember hearing a quote attributed to one manager who said he'd rather have a profitable Number 2 station than a Number 1 station barely making budget.
Good equipment is a big plus. I've worked at stations where you weren't sure if the video you shot was good until you got back to the edit bay and even then you had to keep your fingers crossed that the machines didn't eat the tape.
Good, strong management is a plus but they have to be more than cheerleaders. Good managers lead by example. Employees usually have good BS detectors since a little incompetence by managers goes a long way. One of my favorite NDs told me once that I could ask him anything. He said if hf he knew the answer, he'd tell me and if he didn't know the answer he's tell me that. He also said if he couldn't tell me something, he'd tell me that as well. On the other hand, I've had managers lie to me knowing that I knew they were lying.
I think
pride in the operation is a big deal. I know of stations and have worked at some where they might not have the top ratings or the best equipment or the best building but there is a "can-do" team spirit. Yah, you will always have people who bitch and moan but sometimes being the underdog making headway against the big dogs helps inspire team spirit more than any stuffed animal or slogan from the HR department.
Hiring and keeping good employees is a must. If they aren't doing the job, get someone who will do it and then reward them. Don't tell them how lucky they are to have a job. Tell them how lucky you are to have them working with.
Loyalty is a big deal. If you want loyalty, make sure you give it as well. And remember there should be no such thing as an unimportant person in any operation. Even the person who takes out the garbage becomes very important if he or she isn't doing the job.
Where am I going with this? No where in particular. Most of this is common sense that seems to have slipped by a lot of folks these days. Just consider it a random musing on this Tuesday morning as I finish my coffee.