According to a report from 2016, happy employees get better customer ratings, are 17 percent more productive, and are 21 percent more profitable for the business. People want to work for an organization because it engages and inspires them to be the best. The more satisfied they are with their workplace, the more motivated and committed they will be to their jobs. Companies can also benefit as their revenue rises, efficiency increases, and employee absenteeism decreases.
On that note, let’s look at some ways to improve employee satisfaction.
1. Invest in the future of your employees
Many employees look for other job opportunities when they don’t know how to advance their careers in their current company. Offering them growth opportunities and transparency can reduce employee churn.
Communicate one-on-one with employees about their career goals and how the company can help achieve them. Send them to conferences, give them projects that stretch their experience, or encourage them to take courses to increase their skills.
For instance, your accounting departments can significantly benefit from the last option. Trainee accountant wants to know they will receive support while pursuing their professional designation. In addition to offering training at work, suggest courses like CPA. They can easily manage to study alongside work using platforms like Wiley Efficient Learning, where they can take courses online.
2. Ensure that you offer competitive salaries
Even though money isn’t everything, it’s a great place to start when trying to retain and satisfy employees. A 2015 survey found that employees rated their pay second-most important regarding their job satisfaction.
Nowadays, employees can easily research whether they could earn more working for your competitors. You don’t want them to go looking somewhere else. Establish a clear promotion process, so employees will never wonder when their next pay raise is coming. Ensure employee compensation is competitive and that there’s an explicit compensation policy.
3. Keep an eye on their mental and physical health
When you’re not in good mental, physical, or emotional health, it’s hard to feel satisfied at work. A study revealed that life satisfaction, including health and work, is reciprocal; it is impossible to satisfy one without satisfying the other.
Unfortunately, many businesses have a workaholism culture, which results in stress, burnout, and poor employee health. It would help if you appreciated those who finish things on time and within office hours rather than laud those who never seem to leave the office.
4. Recognize their achievements
Organize regular celebrations of big wins within your organization or department. During meetings, give people an opportunity to share their own or others’ most recent accomplishments. The smallest gestures of gratitude, congratulations, or a high-five, especially when combined with recognition like the crystal award, can make employees feel appreciated and seen.
94% of employees receiving daily positive reinforcement report having a pleasant job experience. No doubt celebrating achievements for both individuals and teams can have a big impact on job satisfaction.
5. Utilize benefits creatively
Compensation packages often overlook employee benefits, which can greatly impact job satisfaction. Even though family-friendly and wellness benefits are relatively low-cost and receive a lot of employee enthusiasm, 67% of organizations haven’t changed them in the past year.
Here are some creative benefits ideas to stand out from other organizations:
- Add free counseling services to health benefits
- Offer onsite massages, yoga, and meditation classes
- Provide educational support
When your company invests in its employees, they perceive that you care and will care for your work too.
6. Consult with employees about their concerns
Your employees may have legitimate concerns about the workplace culture, but if they fear repercussions, they won’t bring them to management’s attention. They will feel more comfortable voicing problems if you can make them feel safe and appreciate their feedback.
Make sure managers have regular one-on-one meetings or conversations. It can be less awkward for employees by scheduling regular meetings where they can be honest in a confidential setting.
7. Consider their suggestions
Consider the needs of different employee groups before assuming that you understand what makes your employees happy. HR and leadership perspectives will always differ from employee perspectives.
It is simple: Ask employees what they think can be done to make a positive difference. In addition, you can use this to determine if employees are satisfied with their work. Employee ideas can be gathered quickly and easily with the help of tools and surveys. This will give your organization an idea of what promotes or drives down overall employee satisfaction.
8. Honesty is key
It is just as important to act on employee feedback as it is to gather it in the first place. However, refusing to implement employee suggestions makes taking an employee survey pointless.
Take steps to implement changes and keep employees informed throughout the process. Both sides should communicate openly and transparently throughout the process. By doing this, you demonstrate that you value your employees’ suggestions.
Conclusion
The following tried-and-true tips will give you a place to start when it comes to improving employee satisfaction. Then, find creative ways to offer benefits and make them more productive. Investing in employee satisfaction will ultimately empower your business. Leadership is essential to shifting employee attitudes and satisfaction.