When employees feel valued by their managers, there is a noticeable difference in morale and productivity than if they feel disconnected and underappreciated. Many of the ways to show your workers how much you value and care for them are actually basic business practices, but unfortunately, they still might be ignored. Or, while these practices may be in place, they might need to be revamped or refreshed.
How Can You Make Sure Your Employees Are Taken Care Of?
First, Understand the Benefits of Workplace Appreciation
Showing your employees that you appreciate and care for them does not have to be complicated. In fact, you’ll find that it’s quite simple to care for your employees, and this is an excellent realization because there are so many benefits when employees feel cared for:
- Increased productivity and innovation
- High morale
- Job satisfaction
- Positive atmosphere
- Better customer service
- Greater employee retention and loyalty
6 Ways to Show Your Employees You Care
Provide a Safe & Clean Environment
No one will feel valued if their work environment is dirty or unsafe. Of course, workplace safety is a top priority, but sometimes, companies become lax about it over time. Refresh workplace safety measures once a year to make sure. You should also consider the cleanliness of the office. If you want your employees to take pride in their work, the company needs to take pride in its building. Here are a few considerations:
- Hire a cleaning service for the office building
- Ask employees to keep their spaces neat
- Install security systems
- Have safe and well-lit parking areas
- Keep break and meeting rooms organized
Encourage Open Communication
Every caring manager should encourage their employees to feel comfortable discussing work matters with them. When employees are able to communicate with their managers openly, it means they are more likely to ask questions, seek constructive feedback, and express any concerns they may have. This will lead to work that is done better, greater productivity, and of course, a more positive morale at the workplace.
Recognize Hard Work & Achievements
One of the best ways to show your employees that you value them is to recognize when they’ve worked extra hard or have made significant achievements. Whether you shout out a team member for crushing a sales goal or cater a lunch after the team finishes a huge project successfully, these gestures of recognition go a long way.
Offer Competitive Wages & Benefits
Caring for employees is about much more than money, but an employee will have a very hard time thriving in an environment that does not offer competitive wages and benefits so they can provide for themselves and their family. Be sure that wages grow incrementally, according to performance review policies or cost of living increases. You should also consider how the benefits that your employees receive can encourage them to perform their best. When employees have the opportunities to seek preventative care or medical attention when needed, they are also more likely to stay healthier and more productive at their jobs. Benefits might include:
- Health and dental insurance
- Retirement plans with company matching
- Flexible work hours
- Paid time off
- Incentives such as gym memberships
Demonstrate Trust
One of the worst tendencies that a manager can have is to micromanage. If you are constantly looking over your employees’ shoulders, they never have the opportunity to grow, and it clearly shows that you don’t trust in their abilities, skills, or judgement. To show your employees that you care about their well-being and professional development, it’s better to step back and demonstrate trust in their professionalism.
Support Opportunities for Growth
Managers who truly care about their employees want them to continue to grow and progress as professionals. Show your employees that you value them by supporting them in growth opportunities. Whether it is recommending them for a promotion, or encouraging them to add new educational credentials, an employee who grows is not only more satisfied but they add greater value to the entire company as well.
Build a Team for Success
If you need help finding top talent to help build your team for greater success, contact Axiom Staffing Group.
