A workplace without politics, unwritten rules, and horrible bosses is a unicorn––as good as a dream. As the world moves forward from a traumatic business season plagued by a pandemic, thriving leaders want to know how they can help their team members respond to their environments. This is limited not only to the pay and workload but also to more human interactions that will lead to a new and inclusive corporate culture.
Even in the midst of a health crisis, employee turnover rates are still high. It is important to note, however, that employee turnover is expensive. The best investment is the wellness of your people. Businesses that do not invest in their people will see the effects of turnover in the long run––there’s advertising, training, and lost opportunities to account for a leader’s negligence to make a team member feel valued. Here’s how business leaders can invest in human capital toward a more sustainable business.
Acknowledge that human is the most important company resource
This is the most important thing company leaders should know before doing anything else. Many organizations rely much on customer care, deliverables, sales, and hits that they fail to realize that their valid resource––their employees––are miserable at work.
Your workers are not just numbers on a scale. They are who make your company. When employees feel valued, they take care of the work for the company. By creating a work environment that shows community and inspiration, employees will be productive and satisfied with their jobs.
Take care of your employees’ physical health
Physical health is vital as we battle a health crisis. Companies must realize this need. Yet, some employees work almost 24/7 as they are forced to comply with ruthless deadlines. Some employees silently suffer from loss of sleep, unhealthy eating habits, and even work-related anxiety and depression.
To help employees stay healthy, encourage them to take their much-needed rest. If possible, urge employees to stop working at a particular time so they can recharge. You can also update their healthcare coverage to ones that offer telehealth services so they can meet with doctors even during the pandemic.
Engage and motivate employees about their work
In this season of uncertainty, many employees feel demotivated and uneasy about their job and their future. Leaders must communicate with employees frequently to show them that they care.
Ask your team members how they feel about work. Provide valuable feedback and coaching. Show them that while hitting deadlines and commitments is valued, their well-being is also important. Since most are working from home, schedule online one-on-one checkup sessions to see how they adjust to the demands of work. These checkup sessions should not feel like “a meeting that could have been an email. You can deepen your engagement and relationship while encouraging them by actively communicating with them.
Cultivate their financial well-being
Money is always a challenging topic. What many company leaders do not realize is that there are employees who live from paycheck to paycheck. A good starting point for companies would be to make sure to send salaries before the expected date. Sending salaries past the agreed day of pay would negatively reflect the company’s financial health.
Able leaders can also offer financial coaching to staff members who need help in this arena. They could also relay what is included in their salary package and benefits so they can maximize it when needed. Moreover, the company may also offer relevant opportunities (i.e., extra pay for extra work), so employees will feel that their financial health is valued.
Explore opportunities for community involvement
Volunteering for a more significant cause is a great way for employees to feel engaged. Corporate social responsibility activities have positive effects on employee motivation, as they get a sense of belonging and community beyond their work in the office.
Not only does community involvement help others outside the organization to know more about the company, but it also builds loyalty among the people working for the company. These activities also allow them to practice their leadership skills. It is also a great tool to attract prospective employees into the circle.
Employers of today are expected to motivate their workers to achieve their well-being. Adopting policies that will allow your staff members to find a balance between work and life will make your workforce healthier, more satisfied, and more productive. Investing in employee well-being is not an empty investment but is something that will reward the company for years to come. You can experience business growth if your employees are taken care of.
