Small businesses face countless challenges, including the loss of workers. As more and more people quit their jobs, let’s discuss the best ways to keep your employees happy.
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on SmallBusiness.co.uk
If COVID-19 wasn’t already a big enough blow for companies, experts are now describing the current period as ‘The Great Resignation’. Globally, millions of people are re-evaluating their priorities and leaving their jobs. Remote working has shown that, for many, work is possible on a far more flexible schedule and without the commute. On average in 2021, over four million Americans left their jobs each month in search of these such factors. So, what can business leaders do to stop this mass exodus?
Flexible working
Flexible working is no longer seen as a perk but a necessity – in fact, the majority of companies now allow working from home and 74% of employees say this helps keep them in their jobs.
Transparency
Honesty is vital in order to build a sense of trust between the employer and employees. This doesn’t mean big changes or investment; more openness and better communication can make a noticeable difference. Rather than authoritarian-style, micro-management, workers need to feel trusted. Set out a clear goal for everyone to work towards, and let them flourish.
Breaks
Could installing a Playstation in the office be the answer? While this may sound like a joke to some (and, perhaps, heaven for others) more offices now feature a television and even a games console.
Less surprising is the fact that working or sitting at the desk all day isn’t healthy. The answer is regular breaks. It doesn’t have to be screens, or even technology; if you have the space, some offices now have pool tables or ping pong sets. The interaction will also help boost worker relationships, morale and, ultimately, retention.
Progression
“I want to feel as though I can progress in the company and climb the ladder,” We hear this in almost every job interview right? And who doesn’t want to feel as though their hard-work is paying off? So let’s make sure we are rewarding our employees.
Many people change jobs when they don’t feel as though it’s helping them to reach the next step on their career ladder. Establishing a clear pathway and progression will keep motivation high and remove the temptation to look elsewhere.
Benefits
In order to stay competitive and attract and retain the best talent, many businesses now have to offer their workers more. The most obvious – though perhaps expensive – method is increasing salaries, but there may be cheaper and more effective methods.
The incentive of free insurance, and helping to protect salaries, are good options, as is the offer of dental, optical and wellness benefits. The idea of a free gym membership, food vouchers or supplemented transport costs could be the difference between keeping your best employee or having to look elsewhere.
These are just ideas though; think what your colleagues would most appreciate – or even ask them (surveys are great) and try your best to implement what they suggest.
Summary
Happiness equals productivity and sustainability. If you implement even some of these tips, undoubtedly employee morale should improve and your workers will be more like to stay.
In today’s climate, most of these recommendations are no longer luxuries but standard protocols. Keeping up with the times means offering the possibility of remote and flexible working, in particular, if you’re going to retain your staff.
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