It’s the Great Resignation, Charlie Brown. At an all-time high, 4.5 million people quit their jobs in November 2021. Now more than ever, employers need to prioritize their workplaces to attract and retain talent.
So if you’re an employer, listen up. The three workplace wonders you should never neglect are culture, employee benefits, and growth opportunities.
1. Workplace culture
How important is your workplace culture to you? But, let’s step back a minute first. What the heck is workplace culture, anyway?
A business’s culture is the heart and soul of the workplace environment. It’s made up of the shared beliefs, values, behaviors, and practices unique to a business. Typically, business owners and management set the tone of the culture through the business’s policies (e.g., employee handbook) and practices (e.g., interdepartmental communication).
Workplace culture isn’t just defined by the parties you throw or the year-end bonuses you hand out. In fact, it’s hard to define it at all. Why? Because there’s so much that goes into culture. So look at it like this: Anything and everything that goes on in your workplace impacts its culture—for better or worse. So, make sure you’re paying attention.
Poor workplace culture leads to drops in morale, engagement, and eventually, retention.
A well-received workplace culture (aka strong, stable, positive, ethical, etc.) can lead to increased engagement, happier employees, and, in turn, a successful business.
Culture fit is a top reason for employee turnover. Just look at your exit interview feedback. Why have employees left? Chances are, they’re not all leaving solely for more money. Some might be leaving because of micromanagement, power struggles, workplace frustrations, etc. And that all stems from the culture you create.
So, how can you make sure you’re not neglecting your organization’s culture? Just look at the countless ways you can improve your workplace culture:
- Give employees autonomy (let them be creative—isn’t that why you hired them?)
- Involve employees in decision-making
- Get feedback from employees on what they want/need
- Provide desired employee benefits
- Set an example you want employees to follow
- Encourage communication and collaboration
- Prioritize work-life balance and flexibility
- Reward and recognize employees
…The list goes on and on.
One last word to the wise: There’s no faster way to get resignation letters from employees than by creating a culture that treats workers like they’re cogs in a wheel.
2. Employee benefits
Working individuals can afford to be picky when it comes to the workplace. If employees don’t like something, poof! They’re on to the next…
Read More: Don’t Neglect These 3 Workplace Wonders (Especially During The Great