It stands to reason that happy employees will stay at their jobs. And while their primary reason for working does, of course, entail work, it behooves you as an employer to keep your employees satisfied and fulfilled; doing so will decrease your turnover rate, making for a stronger team and a better reputation overall. Consider it a win-win.
- Attend to personal needs. This doesn’t mean you have to go out of your way to meet every employee’s wants and desires. However, understand the largest generation of employees coming to work, the Millennials (who will soon comprise ⅕ of the work force), put a higher premium on work-life balance than they do on salary. If you can work out a schedule with some flexibility, you’ll “win” happier employees. They will then focus on work during work hours rather than worry about getting home or missing out on a family event.
- Recognize their accomplishments. It’s easy to associate work with drudgery. Too often we do a thankless task simply because to earn that paycheck. Or we have that nightmare boss who takes the credit when things go well, but lambastes us when something goes wrong. A company’s success comes from all employees doing their jobs to the best of their abilities. And, it behooves the employer to recognize team and individual efforts. Figure out how to positively call out those who have worked hard and produced, either by having a quick informal meeting in a conference room, posting on a wall of accomplishment, or writing a quick personal note of thanks to employees.
- Treat employees like adults. Employees who constantly feel micro-managed may feel like rebellious teenagers who are constantly shadowed by an overbearing parent, even if it’s well-meant. As a result, this may lead them to do the minimum and work only when someone isn’t looking over their shoulder. You hired your employees because they had the knowledge and expertise to do the job, so let them do it. Treat them with respect and you’ll receive it. This also means informing them of upcoming changes or new plans and asking for their input. This way they feel invested, like part of a team, rather than just a spoke in a wheel.
Keeping employees happy takes a bit of forethought and a lot of simply paying attention. If you can manage both, you’ll have a happier workplace overall. Read our related blog posts or reach out to our medical staffing team today.
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