While it’s true that compensation will always be the key driving factor for why employees seek out specific jobs, the new breed of employee is coming to expect more than the basics when it comes to the benefits of working for a company. Studies actually show that money isn’t always the most important benefit you can offer employees. To keep up with a rapidly evolving job market, consider offering them more flexibility, more PTO, and more educational opportunities to keep them invested. Here are a few ways you can make your employees feel less like a number and more like a person.
Encourage and Nurture Career Growth via Professional Development
In a recent Randstad US Survey, it was revealed that the number one reason employees leave their jobs is the lack of a career path. Think about that for a moment, because it’s a huge problem. A lack of an individualized career path for employees shows a lack of commitment to long-term staff, and those employees who leave know it. Companies must reevaluate their long-term retention strategies to include the kinds of succession paths and career growth opportunities that encourage and engage workers. If an employee feels that their company is committed to their success as an individual and in supporting their long-term growth within the company they are more likely to feel satisfied on the job and motivated to do their best work on a day to day basis.
Employees are motivated to do their best work when they are learning the new skills and technologies that will make them more effective on the job. Employers who invest in the ongoing education of their staff are likely to see employees more committed and loyal to their companies in the long term. It can be a real challenge to stay on top of all the latest trends and processes that are needed to stay ahead of the competitors, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not interested in staying up to date. The support and investment of their employers will go a long way to employees empowering themselves to keep learning.
Invest in Connectivity and Flexibility
Now more than ever, technology is impacting the rhythm of business and providing powerful new tools for employers and employees to get the job done. The internet of things and big data have had drastic impacts on how companies are able to use and communicate information to stay competitive in the field and recruit the most talented employees in their industry. Mobile device use on the job has skyrocketed both in terms of personal and professional use.
Employees now expect their workplaces to be as digitized and connected as they are at home. That includes providing safe and easy access to the internet throughout the workspace, efficient hardware and devices as well as powerful software programs and tools that make your team more effective on the job. Companies that are not able to provide these technologies are simply not competitive in the job market. Furthermore, recognizing the opportunities that these changes have presented is a smart way for companies to keep ahead of slow adopters in the industry.
For more tips on how to grow your team, connect with the experts at Bergman Brothers today!
