Discretionary Effort

Definition

Work beyond the minimum required, performed voluntarily. The metric companies use to measure if you actually care.

Example Usage

The engagement survey asked about discretionary effort; employees answered honestly that they save that for companies that actually appreciate it.

Origin

Emerged from organizational psychology and performance management in the 2000s.

Fun Fact

Requesting discretionary effort without reciprocal investment in growth, compensation, or respect guarantees you'll get the bare minimum.

Source: Organizational psychology and employee engagement

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shift

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offer letter

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