Also published in Office e-Newsletter
Issue 14, page 6 ~ Feb 2013
This year calls for supporting, engaging and rewarding employees
One of the biggest considerations in business is return on investment, or ROI. I’ve been giving some thought to how employers can generate maximum ROI with their employees, for a minimal investment.
I’ve learned there are four simple gifts that bosses can give to each and every employee.
Dole out these goodies, and you’ll end up getting the gift that keeps on giving – engaged employees.
So, you’re probably wondering, what are these four magical – and free – gifts?
Respect – CHECK Value – CHECK Acknowledgement – CHECK Reward – CHECK
These things might not seem like too much to ask for from an employer. When employees feel respected, valued, acknowledged and rewarded, the workplace culture is positive in return.
These principles might sound like common sense, but they’re certainly not common practice. We are often so preoccupied with our own work that we forget to acknowledge the load that others carry. Managers, take just a moment to observe, recognize and give praise to your team. It will be a moment well spent.
And, if your organization has a rampant negativity virus, here are 3 simple vaccines that will take care of that nasty little bug in a snap:
GET ENGAGED. Talk with your employees regularly. First things first: stay on top of projects; provide constructive feedback and strategies to support employees; and, most importantly, set aside time to relax and laugh together. Open communication opens doors, eliminating potential problems before they arise. For instance, let’s say an employee has made a mistake, like forgetting to forward an important time-sensitive document or providing a status update to a demanding client – we have all been guilty of this at some point. If the individual needs help to fix the problem, they will most likely bring it to your attention immediately, rather than letting the situation fester while they gather the courage to approach you.
TRAIN FOR SUCCESS. As organizations expand, it is critical to promote employee training opportunities. Employees want to be encouraged, not discouraged. During organizational change, they need to feel they have the support to succeed, and the skill set that is necessary to carry out new business ventures. Remember, there are ways to provide cost-effective training methods.
- Type “free” webinar on (insert topic here)” into Google and search away
- Search related YouTube videos and compile your own unique training session
RECOGNIZE AND REWARD. This sounds easy enough, but how do you really motivate today’s employees? When I need motivational tips, I look to Bob Nelson, author of 1001 Ways to Reward Employees. I have learned that rewards must match the achievement, be timely and specific. Remember, a reward isn’t always a raise. Try matching rewards to your employee’s interests; this makes for a very meaningful acknowledgement. Chances are this very simple action will foster loyal long-term relationships where employees feel recognized for their efforts.
A positive culture is good for business and good for your employees. Follow these three simple steps to generate cultural change within your organization, and reap the benefits all year long.
What is your corporate culture like? Feel free to leave a comment below or shout out to us on Facebook or Twitter. Of course, you could always write your own blog post on the subject and share it with us… We’d love to read it!
I agree 100%! Employees go to work day in and day out trying to do a great job. Giving them verbal feedback that they are doing just that – goes a long way!
Angela, thanks for reading and especially commenting. It lets me know I am writing about day-to-day issues that readers can relate to. This feedback tells me I’m on the right track.
Are there any specific topics of interest that you want to know more about? Check out our editorial calendar for ideas.
Great tips Julie! We are currently in the beginning stages of an ERP project at McMaster; therefore, going through a ton of changes. Our CIO has been incorporating everything you have written about, endless training and having the managers sit down with their employees to discuss individual development plans, etc. Everyone was very hesitant about all of the changes at first but most have adopted a positive outlook seeing that they are being invested in. Team morale has raised through the roof due to the people at the top taking the time to go about these changes properly. When it shows that the people at the top care, it definitely trickles down and makes for a much more positive workplace. Great blog. I will definitely share.
Alicia, thanks for sharing your real life experience with change to our readers. You hit the bull’s eye on how adopting a positive culture simply boosts morale. It shows that your organization knows how to sustain the culture they are aiming to foster. It makes a world of difference to work in an enjoyable environment, doesn’t it? I am glad you get a chance to experience working with an organization that gets it.
Julie, my fellow employees and I were just discussing this exact thing at work not too long ago. How it’s much easier with our new manager and the fact that she is taking the time out of her busy day of managing the company to kindly reward us in the simplest ways. It really does make a difference on how us employees are able to do our jobs better and feel as if we are being recongnized for what we bring to the table. Thanks for shedding some light on just a few of these strategies! You are so right..a positive culture is good for business and for the employers!! Very well said Julie.
Donia, thanks for reaching out to me. I always enjoy my reader’s stories about issues they face. Workplace culture is a topic of high interest that people enjoy discussing and relating to. Isn’t it great reeping the benefits of a manger that recognizes individual contributions? Employees who truly know their value tend to steer clear of office politics and go beyond the call of duty because it does not go without notice.
Thanks for composing “3 Strategies for a Positive Corporate Culture Shift | CornerStone Dynamics”.
I will absolutely be returning for a lot more reading and commenting in the near future.
Thanks, Van
Van, you are most welcome. I am glad you enjoyed my blog on corporate culture. I look forward to reading your comments on future posts.
Van, you are most welcome. I am glad you enjoyed my blog on corporate culture. I look forward to reading your comments on future posts.