Discretionary effort is the extra mile an employee is willing to take in order to satisfy his customers and coworkers. Employees get hired because of their skills but it is their discretionary effort that becomes the measure of his value to the company. Success in improving the discretionary effort being put forth by employees translates into excellence for both the employee and the company. Sadly, there are hindrances with this. Both microagression and microinequity challenges the ability of employees to transcend from using minimum effort to exerting extra effort.

Microinequity is the way a majority belittles a person or places a label based on inherent characteristics such as race and gender. Microagression is the use of brief, hostile and common stereotypes aimed at a certain race or culture. Both concepts are counterproductive and can affect employees negatively. A victim of microinequity and microagression may feel inferior and develop a low self-esteem. They may detach themselves from the group because they are afraid of confrontation and making a statement. They fear drawing attention to themselves if they perform more than they are asked; thus they tend to do just enough to get by. Their everyday work routine becomes a drag and they find little or no motivation to come to work. A decrease in performance becomes as evident as attendance issues. They do not view their goals as being one with the company and their coworkers. They would disassociate themselves from the company’s success and seek another place to work.

In this light, eliminating microinequity and microagression to improve discretionary effort should be a priority for every company. Doing so is key in ensuring that employees are one with the company’s mission and are willing to perform at the best of their abilities to attain their goals. Below are ways of improving discretionary effort between employees.

Practice microaffirmation. Microaffirmation is the act of acknowledging all acts that show dedication and going above and beyond. This increases self-esteem and makes employees feel that their efforts do not go unnoticed.

Promote diversity in the workplace. Allow individuals to practice their culture. Encourage everyone to have a better understanding of other people’s culture and beliefs. View these differences not as hindrance but as a way to enrich oneself.

Education and awareness is always the key. Allow employees to examine themselves to identify any issues contributing to poor performance.

Start a support group for people to talk to when they feel that they are being singled out. It is important to have someone to talk to who can reintroduce them back to the team and encourage them to work as a group.

In the final analysis, the level of motivation of the employees dictate the path the company will take. A well-motivated employee will put forth more discretionary effort to his work and will contribute better to the success of the business.