In today’s competitive job market, quality talent is hard to find. Employees prefer to be a part of great cultures, businesses that offer high pay, and employers that provide a variety of career opportunities. Giving them what they need is the fastest way to make your company attractive.
People work for businesses for different reasons. Some people want to make a difference in the world. Others want to be a part of something larger than themselves. And still others just want a paycheck.
But there’s one thing that all employees have in common: they want to work for a business that they love.
Creating a business that people love working for isn’t easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. But it’s worth it.
Employees who love their jobs are more productive, more engaged, and more likely to stick around for the long haul.
Ways to Run a Business That Retains the Best People
Whether you’re looking to retain a hybrid or remote team, the recipe for keeping the best people lies in how you treat them.
Here are 10 incredible ways to run a forward-thinking company.
1. Create a Message That Communicates Your Vision
The best companies can unify their staff under their unique vision. If your goal is to inspire humanity, you can’t just share it with your clients.
You have to include your “why” in everything you do, so you can hire and inspire the people who are advocating for your mission statement.
2. Develop a Brand That Pays Attention to Real-World Issues
According to an IBM survey, 71% of job seekers want to work for environmentally sustainable companies. However, your brand can’t just support social movements in passing; it has to play an active role in helping various social groups and causes if you want to come off as sincere.
3. Treat Your Current Employees With Respect
Respect is an essential part of every relationship. Without it, employees are less motivated, committed, and innovative.
If you acknowledge your employee’s achievements and bring them into company decisions, you’ll notice a rapid increase in productivity, efficiency, and satisfaction.
4. Pay Attention to What Matters Most to Your Employees
The easiest way to know what matters most to your employees is by talking to them. It also shows that you care about their options.
However, some of your staff would prefer to answer job-related questions anonymously via surveys or employer review websites like JobSage.
Employees who feel like they’re a valuable part of the team are more likely to be engaged and loyal to the company.
Show your employees that you value their contributions by regularly expressing your appreciation, offering fair compensation, and providing opportunities for career growth.
5. Offer Raises, Benefits, and Plenty of Perks
Inflation is making it difficult for employees to afford basic necessities, and it’s up to employers to try and make up the difference.
If you’re able to offer raises that are consistent with inflation, do so. Otherwise, offer other benefits and perks, such as dental, vision, or gym memberships.
Moreover, offering perks such as subscriptions to services like HelloFresh can be a thoughtful gesture. This would allow employees to get healthy meals conveniently delivered to their homes—they’d spend less time grocery shopping and more time with loved ones.
6. Set Clear Performance Expectations That Make Sense
Your employees want to make you proud, but that’s hard to do if you aren’t clear with what you want. It’s also an impossible task if you’re not transparent when a project isn’t completed to your expectations.
Be sure to set reachable goals if you want your team members to really thrive.
7. Provide Consistent Feedback and Coaching
Employees need constant feedback to understand if they’re doing a great job. It’s essential to set up one-on-one meetings that you’ll use to provide feedback and coaching seminars. Evaluating an employee’s performance is important, but don’t forget to encourage a two-way dialog with your staff.
That way, your employees will continue to improve and won’t feel scared when they make mistakes.
8. Foster Team Development By Supporting Team Interaction
No workplace is a one-person show, but diverse personalities and varying frames of reference can make certain team interactions more difficult than others.
Employees love to work for employers that encourage collaboration on team projects for the purpose of team development.
Your employees have lives outside of work. And their personal and professional goals often overlap. Show your employees that you support their goals by offering flexible work hours, telecommuting options, and opportunities for professional development.
9. Make Work Fun and Enjoyable for Everyone
Contrary to popular belief, work doesn’t have to be a drag. In fact, every work environment should inject some level of fun to keep employees engaged.
Even simple things like casual Fridays, team-building events, and video game challenges can make work more exciting.
A positive work environment is essential for employee satisfaction. Make sure your workplace is clean, comfortable, and safe. Encourage open communication and collaboration. And provide opportunities for fun and relaxation.
10. Reward Good Performance With Gifts or a Simple “Thanks”
Feedback is essential for better performance, but a simple “thanks” can go a long way. While employees appreciate gifts and other rewards more when they come from their employers, they also want acknowledgment from their coworkers, managers, and fellow team members.
As a business owner, you should respect your employees. But you should also expect your employees to respect each other and the company.
Create a culture of respect by setting clear expectations, modeling respectful behavior, and encouraging employees to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Conclusion
Creating a business that people love working for is no easy feat. But it’s worth it. Employees who love their jobs are more productive, more engaged, and more likely to stick around for the long haul. Use the tips above to create a business that your employees will be proud to work for.
