Creating a healthy company culture is key to employee retention. When we think of good company culture, sometimes our minds can go directly to extreme examples, like those companies with full cereal buffets in their kitchen or beer on tap daily. A healthy company culture directly relates to higher employee retention. Creating an environment that contributes to a great company culture and employee retention is easier than you think! Read on for a few tips on simple fixes to make your employees feel appreciated.
Office Space
The “vibes” of your office space greatly impact your employees’ mood and sense of comfort! This may sound silly, but even having warm-toned wall paint instead of cool-toned can make a big difference. If you are choosing an office or looking to repaint, go for warmth!
Choose wall décor that is warm and homey rather than cold and industrial. It is ok to stray from this if you are going for a very specific look, but make sure that it is a style that will feel welcoming to your employees.
If possible, allow your employees to personalize their desk space. Allowing employees to bring in photos or décor for their desks gives them a sense of ownership and comfort.
Kitchen Amenities
When it comes to the office kitchen, a little goes a long way! Providing your employees with a clean and organized area to prepare their lunch or make their hot beverages is essential.
If possible, keep a coffee pot or Keurig in the kitchen, as well as some basic coffee pods, tea bags, and creamer options. This is a small thing that makes employees feel cared for and appreciated.
A water filter machine that allows for easy water bottle fill-ups is also a great addition to your kitchen. Employees will greatly appreciate this convenience. An ice maker doesn’t hurt, either. Things like this are a small cost to your company compared to the return in healthy company culture and retention.
Flexibility in Personal Needs
It is important to acknowledge your employees’ personal lives and needs. Companies that allow for a healthy balance between dedication to work and personal identities/human needs are those that have employees who stick around for the long haul.
Allowing flexibility when it comes to appointments or family emergencies certainly does not go unnoticed by employees. Allowing someone to work from home when their child is sick or take a couple of work hours weekly to go to their physical therapy appointments shows employees that you see them as a whole person, not just a money-maker for the company. An employee who is well cared for will perform better when they are given breathing room.
Public Affirmation/Recognition
Another key to a healthy company culture is showing employees your appreciation for their hard work. If an employee recently did an amazing job on a project or brought in a huge sale, make sure to take time to acknowledge the work they put in and how it has helped the company as a whole.
Giving a shoutout to an employee in a group setting means a lot to them. Don’t underestimate the impact one’s success can have on the rest of the team as well. Not only are you applauding the employee, but you are encouraging other employees to recognize their coworker’s hard work and show their appreciation as well.
Accessibility of Leadership
At many companies, it isn’t possible for an entry-level employee to walk right into the CEO’s office for a chat, but making middle management or direct supervisors more accessible can be a huge contributor to a healthy company culture. Making your management available for advice and ideas helps a business run smoothly, and employees feel heard.
Not only will things be done right when employees are encouraged to ask for help, but processes can be improved when frequently brainstorming with your staff. In this way, employees become very active contributors to your business’s success.
A healthy company culture = EMPLOYEE RETENTION! Take these tips to heart, and make sure to periodically check in with your employees to see what you could be doing better. Your employees know themselves best!
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