The best way that I have found to keep employees happy is to make sure they have a healthy dose of the four E’s:
- Education. A business that is not learning (and applying) is a business that is shrinking. The business learns as its people learn. Give your employees the opportunities to learn - industry conferences, books, blogs (of course), mentoring, role-playing and involvement in new product offerings…anything to keep your employee’s minds sharp. An educated mind breeds productivity, creativity, and confidence. A stagnant mind breeds boredom, indifference, and employee turnover.
- Engagement. Involve your employees in something bigger than just themselves. An engaged employee brings purpose and meaning to work. This in turn drives their satisfaction, the satisfaction/engagement of the customer and ultimately the company’s growth and profits.
- Empowerment. Empowerment is the intersection of information, skill and authority. Give your employees the information to make decisions, opportunities to practice their problem-solving skills and the authority to do what is in the best interest of customers and employees…then get out of their way!
- Enrichment. Saying “thank you”, expanding responsibilities, giving a hand written note, implementing feedback, offering bonuses, and making surprise moments all add to the value of the employee experience. Learn to give back more than you take.
Filed under: Branding, Business, Customer Service, Marketing
