Often, it’s the dollars and cents that get employees superficially interested in a job. However, it is not the only factor impacting whether an employee stays with a company or not, and how well they will thrive in their role. Companies must increasingly find new ways to keep their employees motivated, and sometimes throwing more money at them is neither an option nor an effective solution. Often, an organization must deliver a socially engaging, diverse and open-minded culture in order to get the most out its staff.
Culture, Culture, Culture
The struggle to nab the best and brightest employees is a daily grind that isn’t getting any easier for most companies. A recent Forbes article offers some tips on how to win the competition to land the best talent without necessarily spending more cash.
In the article, Amelia Wilcox, founder of Incorporate Massage, says workplace culture is the key to success. She recommends creating a workplace setting that provides employees with a chance to have fun. Listening to music or hosting retreats where employees can get some sunlight and fresh air are good for morale and get the creative juices flowing.
Competition can help with team building, while also providing an outlet for fun games and activities. Google, the articles notes, is known to host Guitar Hero, Mortal Kombat and Dance Dance Revolution tournaments. The tech giant also permits naps for employees to allow them to recharge.
Lunchtime yoga and massages may also help employees reduce stress, allowing them to be alert and creative. The article also advocates trusting employees. Some companies even offer unlimited vacation, and flexible work schedules to allow employees to balance their work-life relationship.
Lastly, allowing and encouraging employees to do charitable work that interests them can help draw a growing crop of talented young employees who have indicated that working toward a greater good is an important part of their career goals.
The 30 Most 'Meaningful’ Companies in the U.S.
Using the Business Insider list of the 50 best companies to work for in the U.S and a PayScale survey of employees at 2014 Fortune 500 companies, Business Insider ranked the 30 most “meaningful” companies to work for based on what employees said of their companies’ capacity to offer opportunities to make a positive impact in the world.
The biopharmaceutical company AbbVie ranked first on the list with 92% of workers claiming their jobs to be meaningful. Facebook and St. Jude Medical were among the others on the list.
Happy Employees Make More Money for Companies
A Gallup report shows that satisfied and engaged employees can grow revenue up to 59% per employees, according to information from Benzinga.
"Revenue. Retention. Referrals. Repeat Business. Every interaction you have with a customer, client or employee either undermines or enhances these key performance indicators. Corporations should recognize and value their employees and treat them as brand ambassadors," says Denise Graziano, President of Graziano Associates.
"Managers must be properly trained to lead, motivate and engage employees, and allow employees to apply their best talents so they thrive," Graziano is quoted as saying in the article.
Training and development for employees and managers alike is important. And, of course, developing a culture where employees feel valued will improve the work experience for all parties involved. Also, frequently surveying employees and sharing the results will provide a two-way communication that provides input for managers and simultaneously allows workers to feel like their opinions matter.