As an employer, keeping employees satisfied should always be a top goal. There’s no better time than the new year to set a plan into action to make it a reality. When your team is engaged in the workplace, they feel better and perform better.
Raises and bonuses can be effective, however, there are many other ways to foster a more productive work environment. While 80% of employers think employees leave for higher pay, only 12% of them actually do. In fact, 79% of people who quit their jobs cite “lack of appreciation” as their reason for leaving. When it comes to employee satisfaction, meeting their specific and individual needs is a very powerful technique.
So, what can you do to meet your employees’ needs and keep customers happy? When your employees are valued and cared for, they complete their work with motivation and intention. Based on the rapidly-changing needs of employees, we’ve outlined several unique ways for you to prioritize your team – while boosting your business this year.
Make your employees feel secure within the company.
As economic conditions continue to shift, employees worry about their job security. More than 1 in 4 workers don’t feel secure in their current position. What does this mean for employers? To put it simply, your employees are stressed out. Fear of a recession has individuals experiencing burnout at rapid rates, with 45% of employees noting that they don’t feel as “enthusiastic” about coming to work. Unmotivated employees are more likely to complete only their required assignments, rather than go above and beyond to reach your company’s goals.
You can easily improve their spirits by making them feel safe and supported. A great way to show them where they stand is to provide constructive and positive feedback on a regular basis. Even a simple thank you can go a long way.
Additionally, empower them to have a voice within the company. When making decisions, consult your team – ask for their input, thoughts, and feedback. Transparency and open communication can also help foster a trusting work environment. Your employee's ideas and opinions are valuable, so don’t take them for granted.
Offer flexible work environments.
Since the pandemic, many individuals are seeking more flexible work arrangements. With 55% of employees wanting to work remotely at least three days a week, 74% of US companies have implemented a hybrid work model – or plan on it. Plus, CNBC anticipates the demand for flexible work will only increase in the coming years.
We saw the same trends in our own hybrid work report. Of over 400 employees surveyed, 81% of them consider the ability to work remotely as a top benefit when considering new job opportunities.
Hybrid work is the ideal model that supports a blend of in-office and remote work. It offers employees the flexibility to choose a different work schedule to meet personal or family commitments. Alternatively, employers may institute various schedules to meet customer and business needs.
Has your company already implemented a hybrid work model? Learn how to make the most out of your hybrid office with our guide.
Foster a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Prioritizing diversity and inclusivity in the workforce is not just “the right thing to do,” but a business imperative. Bringing together a team of individuals from different backgrounds and experiences will foster a trustworthy and collaborative workplace culture.
Understanding the importance of diversity will not only help you retain employees but attract them as well. 67% of employees consider diversity an important factor when considering a job. In addition, 75% of employees would leave their job for one that is more inclusive.
Address and support mental health.
As an employer, it is important to recognize how mental health impacts your employees. Over time, high levels of stress and burnout will significantly take a toll on their emotional well-being. It’s essential to touch base with your team members to see how they are doing.
Give employees the resources they need to prioritize work efficiently and ensure they always have additional support available during challenging times. Whether they are feeling the stress of work or dealing with challenges in their personal lives, a quick pulse check can make a huge difference. With open communication, you can identify potential issues early and keep progress moving forward.
In addition, offering employee mental health benefits can increase productivity and retention, decrease healthcare costs, and most importantly, improve the overall well-being of your employees.
Examples of benefits popular among employees include:
- Mental health coverage
- Employee Assistance programs (EAPs)
- Unlimited paid time off (PTO)
- Mental health days or extra sick days
- Virtual mental health apps
- Fun, stress-busting activities around the office
Offer unique wellness benefits.
Two-thirds of U.S. employers say they are looking to enhance their health and benefits offerings next year in order to attract and retain talent. Getting creative with your employee benefits packages will do just that.
Now that remote work has put the world at our fingertips, applicants have more options and even higher expectations. Unique benefits like unlimited PTO, pet insurance, childcare reimbursement, gym reimbursement, and on-site healthcare will have the talent coming to you.
Put your employees first with on-site vision care from 20/20 Onsite.
20/20 Onsite is convenient and easy to book for employers and employees alike. Our online booking system allows individuals to select an appointment that fits into their work schedule. To make the experience more enjoyable for your company, we will provide you with event marketing materials to ensure that employees take advantage of this opportunity!
Are you interested in bringing 20/20 Onsite to your office? If you're located in the Greater Boston area, schedule an on-site visit for your company today!