Studies show that one key reasons workers stay with their employers is that they feel valued and connected. With workforce shortages at all time highs, it behooves employers to step up their game on winning employees’ engagement and loyalty. These actions will help create a culture that attracts and keeps staff:
- Enable flexible and mobile work arrangements. Don’t lose good workers because they can’t (or simply don’t want to) work a traditional 8-, 10-, or 12-hour shift. Be flexible and creative – split shifts, shorter shifts, job sharing – whatever it takes to have a full staff and good team.
- Rethink employee resource groups. Consider iterations such as a parents resource group led by parent working in your office or similar groups bringing together workers with common interests, concerns, and needs. Ask them to identify their challenges and suggest solutions that you can implement.
- Create opportunities for meaningful collaboration. Quarterly in-person meetings, standing weekly (optional) coffee or happy hours, group projects or games, and other efforts connect people and help create a sense of belonging.
- Train managers in work-life balance. Encourage leaders to model and support work-life balance. Promote this to current employees and prospects alike.
- Offer give-back opportunities. Organize charitable events and volunteer opportunities to give workers a sense of connection and purpose. This may mean a coat or food drive or hosting a pet adoption fair.
