Over 6% of permanent Canadian employees plan to switch jobs this year, Statistics Canada reveals. That’s a problem for SMEs as employee turnover is expensive — companies lose an average of $22,279 per year to the associated recruiting expenses and lost productivity. Although reasons can vary, a demoralising workplace culture is often to blame when employees decide to leave. So, to boost retention rates and save money, you need to build a positive and supportive work culture that truly puts employees first. If you prevent employee burnout, focus on wellness, and make tasks fun, you’ll successfully boost employee happiness and engagement, and see retention rates soar.
Support your team to prevent burnout
Employee stress and burnout is a major concern for SMEs — over 70% of Canadians are considering quitting their jobs because of it. But, if you take steps to uplift employees and minimise stress, you’ll likely see a drop in turnover. So, what’s the key? You need to first tackle the root cause of burnout, which Gallup research shows often comes down to having an unsupportive manager. When managers give employees too much work, don’t communicate properly, and set unreasonable time frames, burnout is the natural result.
So, help your employees set realistic workloads. If an employee needs to reduce their schedule to keep it manageable, work with them to prioritize tasks. For example, order tasks based on their importance or urgency, with the least important ones eliminated. Also, really listen to your employees to understand how they’re coping. Ask them how they feel about their workload, and actively listen to (and act upon) their responses without judgement. This creates a culture of transparency and employees will feel supported as a result.
Focus on employee wellness
45% of employees at SMEs say they’d stay at their jobs longer if their employer focused on wellness. And, the healthier employees are, the more engaged and productive they become. So, integrate wellness into your company culture. This doesn’t have to be a huge shift, either. For instance, provide healthy snacks and lunch options to encourage employees to make better food choices. A nutritious diet also works to boost mood, energy levels, and morale.
Dress codes also influence employee wellness. Many people find traditional polyester workwear too stiff, itchy, and uncomfortable, but 60% of employees say a more relaxed dress code makes them happier and more productive. A small shift like wearing comfortable, breathable cotton fabrics can help keep your team cool and comfortable throughout the day, which makes a real difference in their work environment.
Make tasks fun for employees
Employees who have fun at work are more likely to be engaged, productive, and creative — which makes companies 21% more profitable, Forbes reports. So, to build a positive company culture that keeps employees around, make tasks fun. This is where gamification comes in, which is simply a way to make regular tasks feel more like games. For example, set targets for your team to reach, and reward them once they get there. Rewards might take the form of an extended break, free lunch, or recognition at the next company meeting. When employees work towards a goal they know they’ll be rewarded for, they’re incentivised to do their best—which makes the process more rewarding and enjoyable in the long run.
A positive company culture can be an effective way to improve employee loyalty and drive retention rates. So, if you prioritize employee wellness, prevent burnout, and make tasks more enjoyable, you’ll successfully turn your SME into one your employees love to work at and won’t want to leave.
The post Drive Employee Retention Rates With A Supportive Work Culture first appeared on CanadianSME Small Business Magazine.