With an economy that is seeing some of the lowest levels of unemployment in years, it is more important than ever to motivate and retain employees. The time and money that has been invested in onboarding those that play a key role in the success of your company must not be lost. Choose to make 2020 the year of your employees and reduce turnover by planning and strategizing the satisfaction of your workforce. A few steps can go a long way to building the loyalty and pride that will make your company the one with which your customers want to do business. To get started think about how appreciation is shown.
Take time to get to know your team members individually and understand their job aspirations and why they choose to apply and work at your company. Find out what drives them to do a good job. Helping the employee move toward their career goals is a sure way to show that the company cares for them whether that means staying in house or not. Keep in mind promoting from within is a sure way to encourage employees to contribute to the success of the business.
Make them feel important by listening to their input and where possible, involving them in decision making demonstrating that their thoughts and experience are valued. Reward them appropriately. To do this learn what is important to them. Finances tend to top the list, but it is only one method of reward and not always possible.
Make sure employees understand the criteria for earning a salary increase and a potential bonus. Those doing a consistently good job need to have these opportunities available. However, rewards can come in other forms. Public recognition such as employee of the month for notable accomplishments is one example. Lunches, dinners or other special events celebrations will show the value the company puts on its employees.
Be sure to mark lengths of service with some type of acknowledgment. These days gift cards are fast and easy way of saying thank you for a job well done. Allowing for volunteering assignments that benefit the community will also fulfill the desires of many employees. In today’s job market there is no room for complacency. Appreciate your employees and it will pay off.
