Although paying child care providers more money is an important goal, there are other strategies that directors can use everyday to inspire staff to develop their unique talents and, ideally, to increase their commitment to their work. For example, job rewards are typically money, public recognition, or good feelings about one's performance. Costs are frequently the feeling of no control over one's work or negative relations with co-workers. Job alternatives are other equally, or more, attractive work options.
Investments are often one's personal feelings about work or extra time and money spent on training.
When job costs and alternatives outweigh job rewards and investments, the likelihood increases that a person will lose job commitment and seek other work. The purpose of this article is to offer ideas to directors for improving job rewards and investments with the ideal goal of increasing staff commitment to their work. Directors are in a wonderful position to inspire staff. A satisfying work environment is generally related to better staff caregiving. Effective leadership is a great starting point for improving job rewards and investments to quality child care.