Once the economy picks up momentum it is too late. Your star employees who have been pulling double duty and getting more accomplished, with less resources at their fingertips, with little or no pay increases for years, are now either looking for a new job or are being approached by headhunters, recruiters or others who want to entice them into working at another company. They may appreciate the attention since you and your team just assumed they will show up every single day.
What are you and your team doing to show your appreciation to your employees? For a large portion of the workforce money is important, it is just not everything. Employees want to be a part of something. Employees want to be heard. They want to be listened to by management. Employees want to know what is going on from the inside. They don’t like hearing the scoop on CNBC or reading about news about the company from the Wall St. Journal.
So what are some other items you might put into place if you do not have them in place already?
Health and Well Being – Either have a Health Club at the office or a shared facility where employees may work out for free or at much discounted rates. If this is not practical, offer incentive money for proven use toward a Health Club membership, workout equipment, yoga classes or similar items which promote a healthier lifestyle.
Food and Snacks – Consider free healthy snacks to be available at the office all day long. If possible offer an eating establishment on site with healthy options all at a discounted price for employees. The hours would depend upon the general workplace hours. If needed, offer breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Personal Growth and Leadership – Offer training programs and opportunities for employees of all levels to grow. The skills required to lead are not taught. These are too often assumed or passed on as a ‘follow the way the previous person did it’. Personal growth, leadership development and effective communication skills are the keys to running the successful workplace of the future.
Empowerment – Create flex work schedules where employees are able to work from home a certain amount of days each month. If the work is able to be done does everyone really need to appear and punch the clock each and every day?
Team Building - The leaders of the company and the Board members need to engage the workforce. Walk around and meet people. Ask questions, listen and have conversations.
Create the atmosphere and be authentic about it. Performance will increase across the board once this process is continued and is seen to be real.
What else is needed for employees to feel wanted by their employers?
Mitch Tublin is an advanced certified personal and executive coach who lives in Stamford, CT.
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