Satisfied, dedicated employees make for a thriving company. And think about it for a moment: where would you be without your team? Of course, you care about them. But be sure to show it by helping them stay healthy, recognizing their needs both inside and outside of work, and keeping your door open, so communication flows openly.
Take care of employees’ health.
According to a Mayo Clinic survey, many Americans blame their jobs over all other factors for such health problems as stress, poor diet, lack of proper exercise, sleep issues, and more. For those who spend most of the day sitting at a desk, related concerns can include weight gain, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, and back problems. Too much time staring at a screen? Add vision challenges to the list. Ouch.
- Start or enhance your worksite wellness program. In another study, 89 percent of employees who participated in such programs reported better overall health and well-being – and 67 percent of employers reported increased staff engagement as a result.
Provide flexibility for work/life balance.
Never before has flexibility at work been more critical. Always at the forefront, it has taken on a whole new level of importance since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Get to know each employee’s needs and concerns and don’t force them to make a difficult choice between work and personal life.
The best-case scenario is to give people the freedom to come and go from the work site as they choose and are able, as long as they get their work done. For those who have to be on-site, work out flexible schedules. Provide robust technological tools and equipment, so remote work is successful and productive.
Make communication a two-way street.
To truly understand your employees and how they’re feeling, build a culture where communication is two way, and honest feedback is encouraged. Don’t just keep your door open – take it off the hinges!
- Reinforce the premise that people can provide feedback, including complaints, without adverse consequences. No one should have a fear of speaking up.
- Your open door signifies honesty, trust, and transparency. As employees walk by, chat with them casually about their families, weekend, or hobbies and activities they enjoy. If no one is at work at this time, make that a virtual open door by reminding people how they can easily reach you for a phone or online chat.
- Conduct employee surveys on a regular basis. It’s a great way to get a pulse on how things are going, especially in today’s upside-down world. It can be as simple as a quick Survey Monkey, or more detailed to drill down on specific questions and topics.
For more ideas on building better employee relations, contact the workforce development experts at PrideStaff Fresno today. Caring is at the root of all we do, as we get to know our clients and their teams and custom tailor strategies to meet their unique talent management needs. We look forward to doing the same for you.