Get your employees to fall in love – and stay in love – with your organisation

Sunday was Valentine’s Day. And as people all over the country focused on celebrating their love with the special people in their lives, it got me thinking about how employers can get their staff to fall in love with their jobs.

I’m not talking about romantic love here, but ways that you can keep your workforce motivated and engaged with your organisation. It’s a well known fact that happy staff are good for business. So here are some simple ways you can inspire and build meaningful relationships with your people;

Keep them in the picture

It might sound obvious, but it’s amazing how many employers don’t take the time to communicate properly with their staff. Poor communication is one of the biggest factors in a disengaged workforce.

Regular communication is essential so that your people know what is going on within your organisation and so they can understand the role they’ll play in the bigger picture. When you keep your employees informed they’re more likely to feel a greater sense of worth.

Reward a job well done

Let’s face it, we all want to feel appreciated at work. It’s one of the most important factors in motivating your workforce. Employees work harder and care more about their jobs when their efforts are noticed and rewarded.

One of the main reasons that employees leave their jobs is because they don’t feel valued. Regularly thanking your employees demonstrates your awareness of their efforts and provides encouragement for them to boost their performance. And, it’s key to improved employee retention

Have some fun

Many of us spend more time at work with our colleagues than we do with our families. Creating a positive atmosphere and working environment is important so that employees enjoy spending time at work. So it’s important to encourage team working and camaraderie. Make time for social events, such as lunches and quiz nights, family fun days and team sports. Just make sure you choose activities that all of your team feels comfortable participating in.

Look after your staff

Providing a comprehensive benefits package can play an important part of your recruitment and retention strategies and give you a competitive advantage. And if you do offer benefits, it’s essential to communicate them so that your employees understand and value what you offer them.

Offer benefits that your people will really value. Popular benefits include pensions, life assurance, private medical insurance, childcare vouchers and gym membership. And align your employee benefits to your company culture. For example, introducing occasional free lunches and additional holiday days are simple but effective ways to give something extra to your people which they will really appreciate.

Take the time to remind employees what a great company you are to work for.  If you do, it can help to create lasting and productive relationships that can lead to happy employees and positive outcomes for your business. So, start spreading the love.