Every year, employees across numerous national firms are surveyed to find out who the best employers are. Do you want to be included on that list in 2012? Here are a few ways that you can ensure your employees are happy, your retention rates are stellar and your company maintains an excellent reputation.
1. Offer on-site childcare services. The rising costs of childcare have many employees scraping by to make ends meet. If your workforce has a large concentration of mothers, this is an excellent service to provide. Overall, costs are nominal and employees can focus on their jobs knowing that their children are being well cared for and are close by if they are needed.
2. Provide better benefits for your employees. One of the secrets to great retention rates are the benefits you offer your workforce. Provide your employees with access to a group health plan, offer paid holidays and generous vacation time. Add in extras like a group life plan, 401k sharing and access to health savings accounts. In today’s competitive marketplace, you’ve got to be able to compete with the best and offering a well rounded benefits package is one way to do that.
3. Offer the option to telecommute. Even if it’s only a few days a week, employees appreciate the ability to work from home. In a recent survey employees stated that they would be willing to take a 10% pay cut in exchange for flex time or the ability to telecommute. While this doesn’t work with every position within a company, if you have key people you want to retain, offer them this option.
4. Listen to your employees. Poor management and a feeling of hopelessness can quickly move your employees to your competitors. Offer free counseling services and improve your management style. Create and maintain an open-door policy for your employees. Create brainstorming sessions where employees are encouraged to provide ideas to make the company better. If they feel they are a vital part of your operation, chances are they will want to stick around.
These are just a few ideas that will help turn your company into one of the top employers in 2012. Every company is different however. Ask your employees what they want and listen to their responses. Implement the ideas that are feasible and make your employees an integral part of your operation.