Hiring and retaining the right employees is one of the most crucial, but most difficult tasks that a company can face.
In a market where businesses are offering great salaries, work perks such as free childcare or on-site gyms and on the job training, it can be difficult to attract the kind of employees you need to allow your business to thrive.
But offering your staff additional benefits or a sky-high salary isn’t the only way you can retain your team. Read on to find out how you can keep your employees happy and working for you.
Communication is key
Every good relationship is built on communication. This is especially true when it comes to the employer/employee relationship. When a member of staff starts working for you, it’s not only important to communicate things like your brand’s values, the way your business operates and the role you expect this person to fulfil, it’s also vital that you allow your employee to communicate with you.
What is this person’s goal when it comes to your business? Are they looking to work their way up the job ladder quickly? Or are they looking for further experience in their current position? If you ask the right questions, you can find out exactly what each member of staff is searching for while working for you, making it easier to ensure your employees remain on track and are satisfied in their progression at your company.
Offer chances to progress
A great way to ensure your staff remain happy in their position is to offer them chances to improve themselves at your company. For example, if a hard-working intern is ready to progress to the next level, but lacks the necessary qualifications, you could provide them with the means to undertake further training.
Giving your employees the chance to better themselves is not only a great incentive to remain with your company, it’s also a good way to provide your business with additional skills. The extra training will give your staff more confidence in their role, and allow you to potentially offer new services to your clients and customers.
Give feedback as often as possible
Sometimes it’s good to know that we’re doing our job well. As the employer, it’s your job to provide this kind of feedback to your staff.
If your employees are working towards a tight deadline, and they cope well with the pressure while producing great work, they should know that you appreciate how hard they’re working. Telling your staff that you’ve noticed their performance and rewarding them with praise is a great way to ensure your employees remain happy.
Giving praise is also a great way to maintain a happy and positive office environment. Your staff spend the majority of their day in your office, and maintaining a good atmosphere not only ensures your staff are happy, it also improves office efficiency, productivity and employee well-being.
Offer flexible working
Research has shown that 80% of employees approve of the idea of flexible working, and have stated that their performance would be improved by a less rigid work schedule.
Although the majority of companies abide by the 9-5 work day rule, this might not be practical for all members of your staff. While some businesses have no choice but to maintain strict operating hours, it might be that your company is able to be a bit more flexible with some of your employees’ working hours.
Whether some members of your staff have child commitments, or would benefit from alternative working hours to cut down their daily commute, giving employees the opportunity to work flexibly will help them to enjoy their work-life balance.
Although perks such as free lunch or a monthly cinema pass are great employee incentives, there are so many more practical ways which can help you to keep your staff satisfied in their position at your company. Why not try introducing flexible working or a training course and see the benefits?