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How to Improve Employee Relationships and Culture

Zen_Mood_Boosting_PoseIn 2015, the smart companies are doing everything they can to improve staff relationships and culture. As the economy improves, your most talented workers might start checking into other job opportunities. This could mean difficulty in finding replacement employees, compromised organizational productivity, and exposure of contacts to the competition.

In the Employee Job Satisfaction and Engagement (EJSE) report released in April by the Society for Human Resource Management, three key findings surfaced:

  • Pay is important, but work culture can mean more
  • When crafting compensation and benefits strategies, flexibility is key
  • In 2015, defining worker’s roles and promoting employee interaction will be more important than in previous years when job security and pay were considered more valuable to overall job satisfaction

The EJSE report found that, with an improving economy, individuals are not as concerned about finding a job that pays well. A fair wage is still important, but employees are now also factoring in an enterprise’s corporate culture and job relationships [Twitter_icontweet this].

The study found that one part of an organization’s overall compensation package should include more flexible work schedules, since, in a better economy, workers value a better work/life balance.The survey also discovered that a key component to job satisfaction is defining one’s role and how that role contributes to the overall success of the company.  Regular feedback, and interaction among co-workers and supervisors, will therefore be a key factor in keeping and recruiting employees in 2015.

 

How to Improve Employee Relationships

To improve employee happiness and zeal, make sure your company is stressing and rewarding teamwork. In the past, individuals might have tolerated working with bad teammates, but they are less likely to do so now that the economy has improved. As part of this work initiative, make sure communication between units and departments is stressed, since this will improve everyone’s perceptions regarding how the company is committed to teamwork.

 

Improving the Work Environment

Now that job security and financial stability are less of a concern, make sure your work culture is truly unique.  Introduce exciting new programs into the organization, as this will help retain people and excite new hires.  Make sure the work is meaningful, and not just dull busy activities to pass the time.  Cross-train and invest in employee development programs so that there is a rich variety of work that is fascinating.  Maybe you can make your culture more unique by stressing that your organization is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.  Or, perhaps, showcase how your company is committed to corporate responsibility by allowing employees to contribute suggestions of their favorite causes or charities for the enterprise to give to.

Be sure your company is stressing relationships and teamwork while turning a critical eye towards your company culture. The loss of top personnel in an economic upswing could be crippling to your organization’s annual goals, reputation, and industry standing.

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Amy Blackburn is a writer for Stoner Bunting Gift Cards, a nationwide leader in employee recognition gift card programs based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With 10 years of experience in sales and marketing, Amy joined Stoner Bunting as an Account Executive. Beginning her career in the design field with a degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design, she moved into the world of retail and e-commerce, having worked with retailers such as Target, Bass Pro Shops and Amazon. Amy stresses the importance of relationships with clients as the key to continued success.

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