One of the most important responsibilities taken on by those working in Human Resources is frequently dealing with people who aren’t exactly fulfilled during their time at work. You’ll have to help identify and resolve the issues which may lead them to leave their position. The factors that might determine who hands in their notice might include the following:

  • An insufficient manager
  • Bad pay
  • Illness
  • Other colleagues
  • Feeling undervalued

However, assuming that job satisfaction is a box-ticking exercise will not help achieve employee’s happiness. Consider these other important factors when assessing the quality of an individual’s work-life experience:

A modern environment

If you have noticed that other companies are doing a better job at keeping their environment in shape, then your employees will have probably noticed, too. In some sectors, this isn’t just a case of everyday satisfaction, but also safety.

Health and safety can be a significant factor in employee happiness. The reason why employers liability is a legal requirement is to keep your business covered in the event of an employee making a claim against your company. Specialist insurers such as Hiscox can ensure that your business won’t be made vulnerable to accidents, if or when they arise. A modern approach to employee safety means you are covered should the worse happen, and employees can feel valued as a result.
Keeping your company modern and on board with company culture and employee safety, also has a number of benefits:

  • It maintains employees’ wellness
  • It makes concentration and productivity far easier
  • It stands as a visual representation of your company’s reputation

Keeping the work / life balance

If line managers are sending colleagues home with more work to do in the evenings, then the fantasy of wanting to work elsewhere will translate into job hunting. It is important to show your employees you are aware of how important a work/life balance is, and you should actively seek opportunities to remind employees of this whenever possible.

The same principle applies to holidays. If employees feel like it’s impossible to take time off with their family, a new job will become a likely alternative. Consider these areas with an open-minded approach, to show your employees you value their needs, and, in turn, you can expect employee retention. Employee happiness is more important than some companies may realise. After all, they are centric and vital to your business, and by working with employees on such matters, you can boost morale across the company as a whole. Businesses can reap the rewards with high retention statistics and a satisfied, productive workforce.

A chance to progress

If employees feel that their chances of progressing are next to none, then as a consequence they won’t feel valued. A dead-end job means they’ll see their current position as temporary and not a long-term career. Therefore, offer training opportunities and encourage further learning wherever possible. By engaging employees with opportunities to further their skills with your company, there will be greater incentive to stay and a higher likelihood they will remain with your company for the long term. You will benefit from this, as well, with a workforce in turn with the latest technology and practices that can help your business run successfully.

Rewards and recognition

Rewarding and thanking employees is an invaluable way of retaining staff members. If people slog away at projects and feel their efforts aren’t appreciated, then many may put their efforts into searching for an opportunity where they will be more valued. Showing appreciation can be as easy as a company meeting once a month, or perhaps a fun day out or meal once a month. You may be surprised at what a pat on the back will do for morale.

Caring for your employees might not be the first thing on your list when looking to improve company practices. However, it is vital if you wish to encourage employees to stay loyal to your company, as opposed to seeking other opportunities. Finding employees who work well as a team and remain with the company can be as important as meeting targets; your employees are what makes your business work. High turnover rates and a lack of care will not reflect well. Health and safety, employee appreciation and efficiency across the board are simple ways you can turn your business around and improve output and productivity this year.

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