Keeping your employees happy is vital to the success of your business. This means offering them packages which include retrenchment cover, medical aid, and other benefits. You will find that employees who feel that they are cared for become more productive and will remain loyal, because they know that they are legally protected.
There are many ways that you can give back to your staff which will make them feel appreciated. Small gestures can go a long way towards making a positive and happy office and improving your company culture. So, read on below for just some of the ways that you can give back to your employees.
Take out retrenchment cover
You should invest in retrenchment insurance in South Africa to ensure the financial safety of your employees. This is because retrenchment cover in South Africa will help them to continue paying important bills and covering essential costs even without being employed.
It will enable their families to live without the worry that their lifestyle will have to change drastically. If an employee is the sole breadwinner of their household, having retrenchment insurance with disability cover can help immensely with their stress levels and financial health. Income protection for your employees is an effective step to make towards giving back to them and motivating them in their roles.
Reward your employees
Giving back does not always have to involve physical gifts or pricey plaques, it can also mean thanking your employees so their colleagues can hear it. This type of simple reward will make them feel proud, happy and recognised for the hard work they provide you with on a daily basis.
If you think that they need a physical or monetary reward for their work, you can offer them something that fits their achievements. For example, a junior who has taken on more work during a difficult time might be deserving of a promotion or raise. Alternatively, the senior who mentored an intern and grew their skills should be rewarded with recognition in front of their peers. But, be sure not to show too much favouritism towards one team or one employee.
Make the office fun
Now, this does not mean that you should forget about working seriously and play video-games all day with your workers, but rather that you should allow your employees to relax after a hard day by taking fifteen minutes out of their day to sit outdoors and “hang out” with their teammates, for example.
Additionally, if you maintain and prioritise a work-life-balance, your employees will be happier and more productive. Be sure to ask for their opinions on what would make the office more fun and implement the best (and easiest) ideas. For example, you could have a day in the week when you bring in snacks and treats for the staff, sweetening their day just a little. Or you could have a dress-up day once a month to make the office feel a little less formal.
Create skill development opportunities
Developing your employees’ skills is not only important to the success of your business, but it is hugely important for their morale. You can offer your employees the opportunity to improve their skills, whether in their own field or in a field they are interested in, such as allowing a software developer to learn more about website design.
You can also pay for your staff to attend conferences and meetings that are out of their comfort zone so that they can upskill themselves and interact with others in the industry. This way of “giving back” is one which lasts for a longer period of time, because they will be gaining new skills.
Ask your staff if they have any goals they would like to reach before the end of the year and allow them to choose courses which will help them attain these goals, both for personal growth and for a positive impact on the business.
Allow them to grow in their role
Your employees want a position which challenges them and allows them to grow, not one which is simply “a job”. You can motivate them by allowing them to grow in their role and reach more senior levels once they have the required knowledge and experience.
Keeping someone at a junior level if they show initiative and talent will only make for unhappy employees. Allowing your employees to grow in their role will show them that you are aware of their talents and abilities and that you want them to thrive. It will also ensure their loyalty to your company, resulting in happier and more productive employees. You will also reap the benefits for your profit and your bottom line, so be sure to look into courses for skills improvement too.
Have an open door policy
As a business owner, CEO or manager, communicating with your employees is an effective way to give back to them. It is also vital to the smooth running of any business, so be sure to adopt an “open door policy” so that you can be approached by anyone when they need you most.
Creating a fun office that is focused on employee growth is the best way to give back to your staff and motivate them.