There has been a lot of talk about startups for a long time now. As soon as a new company is discussed, attention quickly turns to the possibility that stakeholders will gain enough equity in it to convert it into hard cash in the future. Because of this, it’s common to believe that startup employees are motivated by money, but this isn’t always the case.
There is a distinct difference between those who want to work for large corporations and those who want to work for startups. Startups offer a unique set of opportunities that can’t be found in larger organizations, such as flexible schedules, a focus on innovation, and driven, energetic culture.
Work flexibility (or “life balance”) can be highly appealing to workers if it is properly managed. Because of their size, large corporations must deal with a slew of issues like large HR departments, departments stuffed full of clock-punchers, red tape, and the inevitable influx of workers who are only in it for the money.
For the past two decades, many companies have attempted to create a “startup feel” by allowing some employees to work from home, in the hopes of attracting the best talent. Many people who work in large corporations aren’t self-motivated or aren’t good at managing themselves, so productivity suffers. Now they’re going in a different direction.
On the other hand, most start-ups allow their employees to work from home or on their own terms. And it seems to be a selling point for the people they recruit.
Startup founders tend to be forward-thinking, creative individuals who believe that fostering a collaborative work environment is essential to the company’s growth. There is a strong culture of innovation and creativity at startup companies. People who work for large corporations, on the other hand, often have their ideas stolen, diluted, or ignored by the company’s president or CEO.
Those who prefer routine and predictability aren’t drawn to startups. There is always something new to learn, and the work can be unpredictable from day to day. There are many roles to fill in a startup, so each employee must be willing to step outside of their comfort zone. You won’t hear them say, “No, I won’t do that,” because they aren’t afraid of trying new things. “I’m not supposed to do that.” It’s not seen as drudgery, but rather an expression of a can-do culture, and the individual feels like they’re part of something that’s fulfilling a vision.
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