A novice or inexperienced business owner may believe their only obligation to employees is a paycheck. They assume that if a person is being paid, they should perform to the best of their abilities, without question. Yet, this type of thinking produces low morale, slowed productivity, and high turnovers. If a business is going to be successful, higher-ups must go beyond the paycheck to ensure employee satisfaction.
When employees are happy, they work harder and remain loyal to the companies they work for. When a business comprises satisfied, productive, and reliable employees, it can provide its customers with the best products and services. How is this accomplished? By implementing activities, events, and opportunities that increase employee satisfaction. Continue reading for ideas.
Health Fairs
Although there are various reasons why people don't get health screenings and check-ups, inadequate health insurance and limited time are high on the list. As your employees' physical health can impact their performance, you want to encourage prioritizing their well-being. One way of doing this is by organizing health fairs onsite.
A health fair is an educational and interactive event. It's a group of medical professionals and health and wellness vendors offering products, services, and educational materials on sustaining a healthy lifestyle. The fair can include general check-ups, blood glucose checks, eye screenings, and more. It gives employees free access to medical experts without taking time off.
Fitness And Nutrition Programs
Diet and exercise are essential to employee health and performance. Employers can encourage wellness by offering fitness and nutrition programs for workers. You can have a personal trainer or exercise instructor visit and hold classes or provide tips on integrating physical fitness into your daily life. A nutritionist or nutrition program expert can provide cooking lessons and meal planning and preparation advice.
You can even incorporate a bit of friendly competition by encouraging employees to reach diet and exercise goals. For example, the team that follows a weight watcher's program or exercise routine for 30 days gets a prize. This concept promotes health and wellness and encourages team building, which can be effective in the workplace.
Family Days
Your employees have a life outside of the workplace. They have family and friends that they care about. However, the demands of work can make it challenging to spend time with loved ones. Why not show your employees that you care by hosting family days? These events allow staff to invite their loved ones to have fun, interact, and get to know more about their organization.
You could get a permit for a nearby park, hire a caterer, get portable toilet rentals, organize entertainment, and invite your employees to attend. It's a nice change of pace from the office and allows you to connect with your team on a personal level.
Professional Development Programs
Most employees have the desire and aspirations to evolve professionally, but lack the time or finances to accomplish them. Attending professional training or educational programs requires taking time off from work, making adjustments at home, and investing a lot of money. Employers can help lighten the load by offering professional development opportunities to staff.
You can have senior staff mentor employees, hire an outside agency to offer training, or cover the costs of attending corporate training and events. Offering tuition assistance can make it easier to accomplish for employees who wish to return to school.
Discounts, Scholarships, and Employee Funds
Despite having a paycheck, many employees don't make enough to afford things they want and need. You can ease their financial burden by offering discounts, scholarships, and donations. Whether it's a discount on a local gym, grocery store gift cards during the holidays, scholarships for their children, or a donation during a challenging time (i.e., loss of a loved one, illness, natural disaster, etc.), it can go a long way to improving their lives.
Your employees deserve more than a paycheck. It is their skills and abilities that help keep your business running. Employers must invest in their teams' health, wellness, and satisfaction. By implementing some of the programs, events, and activities above, you'll find that your employees are happier and, therefore, more productive.
