For many years, companies have been taking one approach to onboarding. “Welcome to our company, take it or leave it.” Historically, there hasn’t been a lot of focus on corporate culture, or whether the office is even someplace employees want to be.
The assumption was always people need jobs, and a company was doing them a favor by offering one. In recent years, though, that reality has changed. Today, there’s much more of a focus on improving corporate culture, and using job satisfaction as a bargaining chip with new hires. Not only does this help a company differentiate itself from the competition, it reduces turnover and promotes retention.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Drives Workplace Happiness?
Before you can create a stunning corporate culture, you’ve got to understand what people care about. According to workplace happiness research conducted by Robert Half, employees derive job satisfaction from the following things:
- Having pride in their organization
- Feeling appreciated
- Being treated with fairness and respect
- Having a sense of accomplishment
- Engaging in interesting and meaningful work
- Building positive workplace relationships
3 Ways to Create a Competitive Corporate Culture
Want would-be hires to covet openings at your company? Here are a few tactics to deploy immediately:
- Create Opportunities at Work
Nothing drives skilled workers out of an office faster than a stagnant environment. Top talent is driven. These workers want to advance their careers and pursue new opportunities, and they want to do it at the company they already work for. If they can’t, they’re likely to go someplace else. Because of this, companies must be proactive about creating new opportunities and challenges for employees. This focus on growth ensures people will continue to thrive within your company, throughout their careers.
- Make Work Meaningful
Gone are the days when employees would willingly gut it out in a job they hated. Today, top talent simply has too many opportunities to make that compromise. While they’re willing to work hard, they’re not willing to work pointlessly.
Fortunately, they don’t have to. When your company takes an intentional approach to creating meaningful work that allows employees to utilize their talents, abilities and creativity, they’re much more likely to stay within your company. They’re also more likely to recommend the workplace to their friends.
- Foster Strong Bonds in the Workplace
When employees feel like they have advocates and friends at work, every day is more enjoyable. According to recent research, 62% of workers reported that having co-workers who are also friends outside the office increases productivity. With this in mind, dedicate a few days each month to team-building exercises designed to promote bonding and friendship. This will work wonders to decrease your turnover and boost your culture.
A Better Workplace Culture Starts with Select Resources
Your corporate culture is your largest asset. Put the time and effort into improving it, and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come. Are you looking for top talent for your organization? Contact us today to find the employees that suit your brand.
