Getting employees to stay in your company can be a bit challenging. Each new employee is different and has their own particular set of needs. In addition to that, there could be other external factors or circumstances that make them unable to stay with your company for very long. But whatever the case, you still want to hold on to the good employees you have.
There are reasons for employees leaving that we can’t always help, but there are some ways you may be able to convince some employees to remain with your company. Here are some tips on preserving the relationship between your employee and your company:
Offer them benefits
It isn’t required by law for an employer to provide healthcare coverage for their employees, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt to invest in it. Many job seekers look for companies that offer their employees various health benefits and insurance as well as retirement funds. Just like you would sell a product, if you offer your employees a good deal on benefits, then it gives them one more reason to continue working with you.
Health care coverage seems to be one of the biggest reasons why employees decide to stay with their respective companies, while 46% of working adults claim that health benefits were the deciding factor in choosing their current jobs. Other than healthcare, offering them paid leaves, bonuses, vacations, and other incentives can not only help employee retention but could quite possibly even increase their productivity and quality of output.
Be understanding and keep an open mind
As was mentioned earlier, each new employee is different. Some might be able to work only when certain conditions are met, while others don’t do well under pressure and “crunch” conditions. If an employee appears to be struggling more than the rest, be understanding of what they’re going through and try to find helpful solutions for them instead of just reminding them to “work harder.” Remember that your employees are people first and foremost and have their own demons to contend with.
In a time where the mental and physical health of your employees has never been more important, going out of your way to talk to your employee and find out what’s going on with them could be what makes or breaks a contract. Remember that mental health issues and other problems can’t just be turned off like a switch when your employee goes to work. Ignoring these signs could lead to more problems in the near future.
Before you let go of someone you view as a liability, talk to them first and see if you can figure out a compromise. Above all, be understanding and open-minded about their struggles. Your employee will remember the times when you’ve been kind to them and might improve their view of the company. When in doubt, talk it out.
Get them involved in company events and activities
Getting your employees engaged in activities and events outside of work not only gives them a break from the usual grind but also gives them opportunities to connect with their co-workers and with the company itself. Holding a company event, such as a party or a dinner, gives employees the chance to interact with their co-workers and their employers in a non-work environment. They might be so used to seeing their managers and higher-ups in work mode, seeing them within a non-work context could actually be refreshing for them and could strengthen their relationship with their higher-ups.
Other than that, holding team-building seminars and training is another way to get your employees involved. If your company has a CSR regulation in place, encouraging your employees to volunteer in CSR-related events is another way to connect with them. You may not be able to make these events mandatory and there will certainly be people who still won’t go even if they are, you can find ways to appeal to the most people possible and ensure that if they do go, they’ll have the time of their lives.
Create a good working environment
This could mean anything from making sure that the workplace promotes neatness and productivity, to making sure that your employees are comfortable working with other people. You want to give your employees the freedom to create a workspace that caters to their needs and maximizes their productivity. Giving them their own desk space to do what they will or flexible hours is one way to do this. Making sure that the office is well-lit, well-ventilated, and well-decorated is another.
Fostering a good relationship between your employees is also one other way to create a good work environment. You don’t want there to be tension within an office and any potential misunderstandings, fights and grudges have to be stamped out before they can grow into something bigger. Emphasize proper communication between your employees and foster an environment of trust and mutual understanding.
Don’t just say that you’ll look into it if an employee confides in you their misgivings about a co-worker. Sexual harassment of women is still a rampant problem in the workplace and turning a blind eye to it only allows it to get worse. Creating a good work environment includes making sure that all your employees feel safe and comfortable working there, so if someone claims that their co-worker makes them feel uncomfortable, don’t just brush it off. Learn to recognize the signs and do something about them.
