Why Zappos Pays New Employees to Quit–And You Should Too: The Power of Employee Commitment and Engagement

Why Zappos Pays New Employees to Quit–And You Should Too: The Power of Employee Commitment and Engagement

In the competitive world of business, companies are constantly searching for ways to attract and retain top talent. CEO Tony Hsieh and his colleagues at Zappos have found a unique approach to ensure that their employees are truly committed to the company's vision and values. They do this by offering new employees a quit-now bonus, starting at $100 and increasing to potentially over $1,000 as the company grows.

At first glance, this may seem counterintuitive. Why would a company want to pay employees to quit? The answer lies in Zappos' commitment to creating a memorable company filled with memorable people. By offering the quit-now bonus, Zappos is able to identify those individuals who may not have the necessary sense of commitment and passion for the company. It's better to learn this sooner rather than later, and Zappos is willing to invest in that knowledge.

Approximately ten percent of new call-center employees take the money and run. This may seem like a significant loss for the company, but in reality, it's a small price to pay for ensuring that the remaining employees truly align with the company's values and are committed to providing exceptional service to customers. After all, companies don't engage emotionally with customers – people do.

This approach taken by Zappos can be seen as a reflection of the changing dynamics of the modern workforce. Employees are no longer motivated solely by monetary rewards; they seek purpose and meaning in their work. By offering the quit-now bonus, Zappos is signaling to potential employees that they value commitment and passion above all else.

In a similar vein, content curation has emerged as a new form of authorship in the digital age. Maria Popova, the creator of the popular website Brain Pickings, has become one of the leading voices in this field. Like a curator in the art world, Popova selects and presents content around a theme that she deems culturally significant. This act of curation has taken on a life of its own, with her Twitter feed becoming the number-one discovery driver for new readers.

Content curation allows us to navigate the overwhelming abundance of information available online. Rather than being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of content, curated platforms like Twitter enable us to discover the most relevant and impactful information. They help us make sense of the world and connect with others in a meaningful way.

However, the work of content curation is often overlooked and underappreciated. There is a need for a new model of acknowledging and crediting this form of creative labor. As the information landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that we find a way to recognize the valuable role of content curators and information discoverers.

In conclusion, both Zappos' unique approach to employee engagement and content curation highlight the importance of commitment and passion in the modern world of work. Companies like Zappos understand that true engagement comes from within and cannot be forced or bought. Similarly, content curation allows us to navigate the vast sea of information and discover what truly matters.

To apply these concepts to your own organization, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Prioritize employee commitment: Instead of solely focusing on skills and qualifications, consider the level of commitment and passion that potential employees demonstrate. Offer incentives, like Zappos' quit-now bonus, to identify those who align with your company's values.

2. Embrace content curation: Recognize the value of curated platforms like Twitter in helping your organization sift through the abundance of information available online. Encourage employees to curate and share relevant and impactful content to foster meaningful connections with your target audience.

3. Credit creative labor: Acknowledge and credit the work of content curators and information discoverers within your organization. Find ways to formally recognize their contributions and provide opportunities for growth and development in this field.

By embracing these principles, you can create a more engaged and purpose-driven workforce while effectively navigating the digital landscape of information abundance.