5 Shortcuts to Get Ahead on Employee Satisfaction and Workplace Morale
7 days ago
Description:
Over the last couple of years, job satisfaction across the U.S. has hit a 20-year low. As a result, 2023 has been designated as the year that people, especially younger generations, prioritize their satisfaction above most other things. Job satisfaction, work-life balance, compensation, job security, and relationships are at the top of employees' priorities. As an employer, it can be challenging to balance these various aspects of employee satisfaction, and doing so can be resource-intensive. But what if we told you that job satisfaction is only the cause, and the result is employee engagement.
Recent reports from Gallup’s 2022 State of the Global Workplace Report indicate that employee engagement has dropped to an unprecedented 21%. As a result, the global economy lost trillions of workers due to low engagement. If employees are unsatisfied with their jobs, they are likely to be unengaged. So instead of looking at employee satisfaction as an isolated issue, think of it as something that has the power to improve engagement, morale, and, ultimately, retention. When you view it within the scope of other workplace issues, you begin to see that if you narrow in on your current strategies for improving retention, then you may just figure out how to break the code on employee satisfaction.
Here are five areas for employers to zone in on:
A Positive Onboarding Process
Job opportunities are on the rise again, and employees are strategically pursuing opportunities that mix well with their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. From the moment a job offer is accepted, employees are gauging their experience and deciding if their new role will be long-term. Although employees are ready to reacclimate themselves to working as they did pre-pandemic, they are not willing to compromise on avoiding burnout. A company that starts an onboarding process with experiences that target recognition and rewards will enjoy the benefits of a more engaged and loyal team.
So, making a positive impact through proper onboarding is a critical first step in establishing a culture that keeps them engaged and communicative. In fact, revamped new hire orientation programs that clearly set expectations and company values are the programs that generate the most long-term success.
Inclusive Training and Development Programs
An employer’s training and development program is normally added to benefits and compensation packages as a perk. According to the Society of Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) 2022 Workplace Learning & Development Trends research report, managers overwhelmingly agree that enriching training programs is the golden ticket to attracting and retaining top-tier talent. Employees confirm this perspective, with over 76% agreeing that they would remain more loyal to an employer who continuously invests in their development.
What makes a training and development program successful?
A successful training program hinges on modules that will make the employee's current performance better. It equips them with tools that help them progress as their tenure with the company progresses. This doesn't just include training that improves hard skills but also training that will potentially help put employees in a leadership role one day.
Additionally, training programs should be equally accessible to everyone, especially if diversity and inclusion are priorities. Ultimately, employers must ensure everyone grows, so the company is prepared to fill skill gaps, increase productivity, and retain employees.
The Balancing Act
Ideal employees will start their new roles with a career plan in mind. Likewise, employers should also have a strong vision for how they see their new employees develop and how they will help them get there.
While this may seem simple, it's vital for employers to balance performance expectations and development with the employee's overall well-being. It's truly a balancing act that requires effective communication and listening. We all know how performance and pressure can provoke early burnout. So, push employees into new roles and opportunities when ready and coach them through disappointments and failures.
The Art of Communication
In companies with tons of moving parts, standard methods of communication are essential to keeping everyone on the same page.
You've heard the phrase, "the more you know, the more you grow," right? Well, companies that have neglected structured communication often face lower morale, adverse collaboration outcomes, and teamwork fallouts. As a result, the company suffers, and the workforce tends to remain stagnant. On the other hand, companies that create robust communication strategies indirectly improve employee productivity, employee growth, and trust among different hierarchies within the organization.
Motivating Factors
Money used to be the top attractor for most employees, but in today’s world, a holistic view of employment overrides compensation. Companies exist to make a profit, and, in most cases, it requires human capital. Nevertheless, company leaders should take a step back and view the company from the team's perspective. I mean, how much is really known about those who work for the company? What motivates them, and what do they value? If answers to these questions do not come easily, remember that taking this step back is a step in the right direction.
Determining motivating factors is as simple as reflecting on the phrase, “do what you love and never work a day in your life.” From there, think about life outside of work and how these factors play a role in how employees view their jobs and work environments. Then, reevaluate how your benefits, compensation, work environment, etc., help make employees' jobs easier.
Think about it like this - the employer is the root, and the employees are the branches. Is the foundation rooted and sturdy enough to withstand the temperate climate of the world around you? Will the weather cause branches to bend, break, and crash, or will the trunk be supportive enough to handle whatever weather pursues?
Employee Satisfaction is Only a Piece of the Pie
As the focus shifts to prioritizing job satisfaction in 2023, employers must recognize that satisfaction is not an isolated issue but a crucial factor in employee engagement and retention. To ensure long-term success, employers must focus on key areas, including a positive onboarding process, inclusive training and development programs, a balancing act that considers employee well-being, effective communication, and identifying motivating factors. These areas can help employers establish a culture that keeps employees engaged, productive, and loyal. Ultimately, investing in employee satisfaction is not only good for employees but also good for business.
Video transcript
Employees naturally want to improve their job satisfaction work-life balance or compensation each year while it may seem daunting to have to improve these elements. Annually. It's possible to accomplish each with a strategic approach. So here are shortcuts to get ahead on employee satisfaction a successful training program ensures. Everyone is given an equal opportunity to develop their skill set. It should include relevant modules that improve an employee's current performance equip them with tools to progress and gather consistent feedback to ensure. It's Effectiveness companies that prioritize balance and well-being in the onboarding process will benefit from a more engaged and loyal team evaluating progress throughout and after a new higher onboarding is important to avoid lapses and expectations strong communication strategies are essential to avoid missed deadlines lost sales and missed performance goals companies should create streamline Communications that are effective and responsive to employee needs. Holistic employment overrides compensation as the top attractor for employees view the company from the perspective of the team and determine what motivates your employees the foundation of the employer employee relationship should be sturdy enough to withstand. The world's challenges increasing employee fulfillment is no simple task and will take much time and effort by actively increasing your employees overall satisfaction. You not only will have more productive in eager employees, but happier colleagues and coworkers.
