Take a wild guess. How many hours do you think the average person spends at work during their lifetime? Although I realize that the average entrepreneur probably spends a lot more time that this – the average person spends a whopping 90,000 hours at work during their lifetime. Wouldn’t you agree that life is far too short to work at a toxic, life-draining, soul-sucking place of employment? Your employees may feel the same way and when they leave, it can wreak havoc on your business.
So, what can you do to make your culture more positive? Fortunately, it doesn’t take as much time, money or effort as you believe it might.
When employees feel that their personal values match those of the company they’re working for, everyone benefits. Your employers are not only more pleasant to be around, they are likely more profitable and more productive. These benefits can make a huge benefit for your bottom line.
Here are a few ways to ensure your team develops a connection to their job and to your organization.
Provide structure. Although it seems counterintuitive, many people thrive on having a regular routine. When employees know what they are supposed to be doing every day, it reduces their stress level and increases their sense of security.
Make sure you have regular conversations with your team members to let them know how they are doing as well as setting expectations and goals with them. Most employees have failed “Mindreading 101,” so be specific and set goals that are a stretch, but still attainable.
Offer opportunities for new skills. Encourage your employees to take risks, try new things, and step outside their comfort zone. When your team members get to learn new skills, they become more confident, knowledgeable and skilled.
Offering new skills doesn’t always have to cost you training budget. Find out what your employees are best at, and offer them the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with their colleagues. Chances are good that they will enjoy the respect and attention of their co-workers, and everyone will learn something that is taught in a variety of ways from different people.
Encourage relationships. Host internal events, retreats and other functions to boost morale and allow employees to get to know each other. The Gallup Organization has found that when a person has a best friend at work, they are more likely to stay. By encouraging friendships to happen, you have a better chance of not only creating strong friendships, but you’ll also create a more harmonious workplace.
When you pay attention to the details of your company culture, over time you will create the type of environment that keeps your employees from becoming someone else’s.
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As Chief Appreciation Strategist at Grategy®, Award-winning speaker and author, Lisa Ryan, works with organizations to keep their top talent and best clients from becoming someone else’s. Learn more at www.LisaRyanSpeaks.com