Replacing an employee can be costly. In fact, Sasha Corporation compiled the average costs incurred by various organizations to replace an employee earning just $8.00 per hour. The average turnover cost per employee is over $5,500. Creating a positive work culture can help businesses reduce employee turnover and the costs that go with it.
Creating a positive work culture can be challenging, but is possible when business leaders start treating employees more like family members than employees. Treating employees with respect and being transparent with company information can help transform a company into one with a positive work culture. And share in the success of the company by offering individuals bonuses or profit sharing when company objectives are met.
Flexibility
One of the best ways to create a positive work culture is to provide employees with flexible hours. Of the 2010 Top Small Company Workplaces identified by Inc. magazine, 95% offer employees flexible work arrangements. Employers motivate staff by empowering employees to complete their work as expected but in the hours that work best for them. A flexible schedule helps employees obtain better life balance while employers benefit by having happier staff members who are committed to the company.
Social Responsibility
Working for a company that supports local non-profits or environmental causes can go a long in creating a positive work culture. According to a survey by Sirota Survey Intelligence, when employees are happy with the social responsibility of their employer, the employees are shown to be more positive and productive than employees who work for companies with little or no community involvement. Businesses can motivate staff to get involved in their community by offering time off for volunteering, sponsoring community fundraising events or highlight employees who are making a difference in the community.
Give Employees a Voice
Good ideas can come from anyone. Companies with a positive work culture encourage staff members to provide feedback about the company. When looking for new product ideas, ways to cut costs, or suggestions for a way to motivate staff, invite all staff members to share ideas. Create an open and welcoming atmosphere that encourages employees to share ideas freely.
When looking at a new healthcare provider or 401K plan, give employees a survey that outlines details and costs associated with the new plans and let them provide feedback. Instead of having individuals upset about surprise benefit changes, individuals will be happy that they had a chance to provide input and a greater understanding as to why the changes were necessary.
A positive work culture not only makes work more enjoyable, it can also make a company more productive and profitable. Businesses that motivate staff, maintain a positive work culture and continually invest in staff by offering new training and educational opportunities are poised to weather even tough economic times.
Sources:
Buchanan, Leigh. “Learning from the Best,” Inc., June 2010
Buchanan, Leigh. “The Art of Work,” Inc., June 2010
Wendy Roltgen - Wendy Roltgen is an avid writer and reader. She loves learning and writing about a variety of topics. She has worked in various marketing ...
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