With the current state of the economy, workers across all fields are being asked to work longer days for less pay. While some employers may feel they have the upper hand because employees are less likely to quit in a poor economy, they still need to treat employees well to ensure their loyalty when the economy picks up. Companies may find it hard to budget for employee perks. However, money does not always buy happy employees. Creating a fun environment and surprising employees with inexpensive, small gestures goes a long way.
Thank Employees
An employee's sense of value in a company is greatly influenced by interactions with supervisors and higher management. Taking the time to thank an employee for his contribution to the company or for her work on a certain project is a small, free act that makes a big impression on the individual, who may have worked for years without hearing a "thank you."
Offer Small Perks
Many companies let employees wear jeans on Fridays, or surprise employees with free lunches. Often managers are so focused on daily productivity they forget the big picture: Happy employees will work harder for you day in and day out.
Discuss Career Options
To increase employee loyalty, supervisors should sit down with employees at least once or twice a year to discuss the employee's future opportunities. This is not a performance review. It is a chance for the supervisor to listen to needs, challenges and desires of the employee and discuss possible solutions. If the employee is not being challenged but is producing superb work, the meeting may revolve around creating more responsibilities or a promotion.
Improve Communications
It is very frustrating for an employee at the lower end of the corporate structure to request changes or make suggestions only to have their voice unheard. The most successful companies have efficient levels of communication throughout the organization.
Invest in Employees
Providing training and development opportunities is valuable for the employee, who feels empowered, and the company, which now has an employee with greater skills or leadership abilities.
Allow Flexible Hours
Flexible hours and telecommuting opportunities are important for employees, especially young "generation Y" employees. Some employees with children enjoy the benefit of working from home a few days a week, while others want to be able to set their own hours. Managers who are willing to work with employee requests for flexible hours will likely keep their employees happy.
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