Business owners learn quickly the value of a good employee, as well as the high cost of turnover and disengaged staff. A strong team of seasoned and motivated workers can be the key you need in your long term business strategy, which is why learning how to attract and retain them is a valuable skill.
If you want to be an organization that attracts (and keeps) the best talent, consider offering these perks to your employees:
Benefits
Glassdoor found that more than half (57%) of people said benefits and perks were some of their top considerations before accepting a job. The best talent want to know what their employers are willing to offer them.
Because of this, companies are getting creative with the type of benefits they offer employees. Some of which can include:
- Commuter compensation or paid parking
- Paid leave
- Performance bonuses
- Flexile compensation
If your company offers products or unique services, giving your staff generous discounts or privileges to the services you offer is another great benefit.
Good Work-Life Balance
There’s a big emphasis on creating a better work and life balance, and a great balance begins in the workplace. Because of this, many workplaces are going the extra mile to provide work spaces that are enjoyable to be and help energize their team members.
This is especially true in industries where employees are “married” to their work, and spend more than a typical 9-5 at their job sites. Some ways you can improve work and life balance include:
Offering Flexible Hours:
By allowing employees flexibility in what hours they work in a given day, employees can better manage their time around all obligations. You can also consider letting employees work longer shifts in a 4-day period so they’re able to have a 3 day weekend.
Quality Break Areas:
Without a decent break area, employees never feel like they’re able to decompress and actually take a break. Give employees a space where they’re truly separated from the work atmosphere, with quality seating, kitchenette,
Reliable Work Environment:
Create a sense of consistency in your work environment through smart design layout and organization. When employees get a sense of structure, and office space that works with (and not against) them, they’ll experience less stress and anxiety.
Inspiring Workspace
As an employer, you’re looking for the most capable and best suited team members, but prospective employees are looking for a workspace that is supportive and inspiring to be in. Since we spend such a huge amount of time at work, being comfortable and enjoying our surroundings is a big selling point.
To impress potential employees and keep them motivated, consider these key points when designing your office space:
- Bright, open layout that takes advantage of natural light.
- Comfortable seating
- Organized layout supportive of workflow
- Collaborative and private work areas
The Best Technology and Equipment
Millennials now make up more than 50% of the workforce, and they’re characterized as being exceptionally tech-savvy. Keeping up with technology, and the tools and computers you use will impress and retain a younger generation. Providing your team with the best equipment available also promotes a high level of performance.
You can show your company is progressive by offering standing workstations, or other modifications that allow for flexible (and healthier) working environments. If there are certain tools or devices that they prefer, give them the freedom to use them. This can include:
- Ergonomic furniture
- Standing workstations
- New software
- Adjustable monitors and keyboards
- Computers, tablets, etc.
Offer Continued Education or Training
Many employees are looking to work for a company that will help them grow in their field and advance their position. Offering continued education resources, or even offering training and mentorship within your company is a very attractive incentive for potential employees.
- Offer paid training hours in the form of seminars, webinars, or conferences
- Provide workshops for role-specific skills
- Provide training for internal promotion
- Provide access to tools and software that your employees can gain experience using
Training and development are crucial steps in helping employees progress in your company and stay marketable in their field. If your staff begins to feel stagnant in their growth, or like they could be progressing at a different company, expect that they might eventually seek employment elsewhere.
Stick to these principles and design strategies, you’ll not only attract quality employees, but you’ll keep them motivated to grow within your company.
