When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and workplaces suddenly shut down or drastically altered the way in which employees performed their jobs, many people suddenly found themselves rethinking their priorities in life. As such, more and more employees decided to leave their jobs and seek out other career opportunities or focus on their families. Known as the Great Resignation, it continues to take a toll on businesses big and small. If you want to know how your business can quit the Great Resignation, here are some steps you can take with your employees.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to change the way they operate, and in many cases, that has meant employees have had to drastically alter the way they perform their jobs. As a result, employee retention has become a big issue for businesses all over the world. The Great Resignation refers to the mass exodus of employees from their jobs, and it’s something that all businesses need to be aware of. If you want to keep your business afloat during these tough times, it’s important to take steps to prevent your employees from resigning.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open With Your Employees
When times are tough, it’s more important than ever to keep the lines of communication open with your employees. Let them know what’s going on with the business and how you’re planning to weather the storm. Be transparent about any challenges you’re facing and solicit their feedback on how to overcome them. This will show your employees that you value their opinions and that you’re committed to working together to find solutions.
Offer Opportunity and Growth
Employees are no longer satisfied with having jobs that seem to have nothing but a dead-end waiting for them after years of service. Instead, they want to have clear paths of growth and opportunity with their employers. To help retain your employees, establish policies that promote from within, which will enable entry-level workers to know that by working hard, they can move into key positions that offer excellent wages and benefits.
Be Willing to Pay
If yours is a business that has been paying the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour for years, it’s time to open up your checkbook and start paying your employees much more for their hard work. In today’s world, one of the most important components of employee retention is paying your employees a living wage. Should you be unwilling to do so, there are plenty of other employers who will.
Show Appreciation
Perhaps more than anything, your employees want to feel as if their work is appreciated on a daily basis. No matter the type of job, workers who feel valued by their employers tend to stay on the job longer, even if their pay is somewhat lower. Whether you have an Employee of the Month program or just make sure you give your employees a daily smile and compliment when they do a great job, appreciation is a huge part of retention.
Offer Additional Benefits and Perks
In addition to being flexible with schedules, you can also offer additional benefits and perks to your employees. This could include things like extended health benefits, mental health support, or additional paid time off. These measures will show your employees that you’re invested in their well-being and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed.
Create a Positive Working Environment
Employees want to work in a positive environment where they feel appreciated and valued. Make sure your managers are leading by example and creating a positive culture within their teams. Encourage open communication, give employees opportunities to provide feedback, and show your appreciation for their hard work. When employees feel good about their workplace, they’re more likely to stick around.
Invest in Employee Development
Investing in employee development is a great way to show your employees that you’re committed to their growth and development. Offer opportunities for training and professional development, and create clear paths for advancement. This will show your employees that you’re invested in their future and that you want them to grow with the company.
Become a Great Listener
To keep your business from being part of the Great Resignation, you will need to become a great listener to your employees. This can be done by asking for their input into solving problems, or by just being willing to listen to them when they are experiencing a problem on or off the job. Once you start listening and showing you care about them and their problems, employees will be much more loyal to your company.
Be Flexible With Your Employees’ Schedules
Families are struggling right now and many employees are trying to balance work with childcare responsibilities. Be flexible with your employees’ schedules and allow them to work from home if possible. If you can’t offer complete flexibility, consider offering extended leave or reduced hours. These measures will show your employees that you understand their situation and that you’re willing to work with them to find a solution that works for everyone.
The current state of the economy has made employee retention a top priority for businesses across the country. In order to keep your business from being part of the Great Resignation, there are a few key things you can do. As you begin to implement these steps into your business practices, you will find your workforce will have no desire whatsoever to look elsewhere for employment. Taking these steps will help you quit the Great Resignation and keep your business running strong. Employees are the backbone of any successful business, so it’s important to invest in their retention. By creating a positive working environment and offering opportunities for growth, you can keep your employees happy and engaged. So don’t wait – start taking steps to quit the Great Resignation today!