Employment Compensation
Companies need to offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain employees. This includes not only salaries, but paid time off, bonuses, health benefits, retirement plans, and additional perks that make your business stand out from the rest. All employees should have a clear understanding of the benefits they receive from your business. Consider providing a general description of the benefits employees receive on the job description of each position, and relay the benefits in depth to new hires.
Recognition and Reward Program
People want to feel appreciated and that what they do matters! You should make a habit of telling your employees you appreciate their work and efforts. Often, the most memorable recognition comes from an employee's manager, followed by a high-level leader or CEO. Recognizing an employee's efforts can positively impact their work and boost morale. Consider setting up a reward system that incentivizes great ideas, innovation, and additional education.
Flexibility and Work-life Balance
Sometimes the best way to retain great employees is to be a little flexible. If you expect staff to regularly work long hours and be on call off the clock, you'll likely run into employee retention problems. Burnout happens, and stressed employees will seek greener pastures. You need a healthy work-life balance to maintain a happy workforce. Encourage staff to take vacation time or allow flexible start and end times. Many companies also offer telecommuting as a way to improve the work-life balance for their employees.
Training and Development for Employees
Everyone wants to be able to advance. Smart CEOs and managers take the time to invest in their employee's professional development. Ask your employees about their long-term and short-term goals, and find opportunities to help achieve them. To assist in employee and company education, some businesses pay for employees to attend industry events and conferences annually.
Feedback, Communication, and Transparency
Employees who report to you should feel that they can present ideas, questions, and concerns to you, and they should expect you to be open and honest with them regarding their performance. An employee shouldn't be worried about coming to discuss work-related matters with you. Make sure you are reaching out and connecting with your employees regularly, not just once a year.
You should also be communicating any big changes happening at the company to your employees, so everyone is on the same page. Whether your business is going through layoffs, a merger, relocation, or the process of adding a new department, keep your employees informed as much as you can. Ensuring your employees stay informed prevents people feeling left out or starting inaccurate rumors due to a lack of transparency.
Fostering Teamwork and Ownership
People can achieve a lot by working together! The best way to get employees to be team players is to foster a culture of collaboration. Start by making sure team objectives, business goals, and employees roles are clear, and encourage individuals to contribute ideas and solutions.
Allowing employees to participate in the strategy and decision-making process for clients they work closely with fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their work. And when employees make great strides, celebrate! When the team or an individual meets a major milestone, seize the chance to celebrate together with a shared meal or group excursion.