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Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation: The HR Imperative for Midwest Businesses

September 5, 2024

Specialized Staffing

In understanding the complexities of our region and the economy, employee retention is critical for both employer reputation and for labor efficiency. While competitive salaries and benefits are essential, a key differentiator lies in fostering a culture of appreciation. We find, more often than not, that pay is important—but there is no amount of money that is a replacement for having a positive experience with your employer. This isn’t just about feeling good – research shows a direct link between employee appreciation and increased engagement, productivity, and loyalty.

WHY APPRECIATION MATTERS

Employees who feel valued and appreciated are demonstrably more invested in their work. Studies by Gallup and others show that appreciated employees are:

Building a Foundation of Appreciation

In understanding the complexities of our region and the economy, employee retention is critical for both employer reputation and for labor efficiency. While competitive salaries and benefits are essential, a key differentiator lies in fostering a culture of appreciation. We find, more often than not, that pay is important—but there is no amount of money that is a replacement for having a positive experience with your employer. This isn’t just about feeling good – research shows a direct link between employee appreciation and increased engagement, productivity, and loyalty. 

1. Make it Strategic, Not Sporadic

Don’t leave appreciation to chance. Develop a formal recognition program but go beyond the typical “employee of the month.” Create opportunities for peer-to-peer recognition, team celebrations for milestones, and personalized thank-you notes for a job well done.

2. Go Beyond the Tangible

Public recognition and bonuses are great, but some employees value genuine connection more. Actively listen to your team, encourage open communication, and offer opportunities for professional development.

3. Make it Consistent

Appreciation shouldn’t be a one-time event. Integrate it into your company culture. Regularly acknowledge achievements, big and small.

4. Align with Company Values

Ensure your recognition program reflects your company’s core values. When employees see a connection between their work and the company’s mission, it creates a deeper sense of purpose.

5. Personalize Your Approach

One size doesn’t fit all. Understand your employees’ preferences. Some may value public praise, while others might prefer a quiet “thank you.” Understanding HOW your employees want to be appreciated, is as important as appreciating them.

The reality is that many employers think employee appreciation is a task on a check list. Unfortunately, when you approach employee appreciation as a task instead of a meaningful activity, it can be more detrimental than good. We saw this concept play out during the pandemic. Employees were stressed about COVID, working long hours (and lots of overtime), and companies were understaffing causing workers to take on more duties. Images circulated on social media of everything from failed pizza parties to free bananas. These failures occur when the employer does not consider the employee perspective. An employee appreciation program is only great when it’s in alignment with the employees that it serves—and frankly, that looks different for every organization. What works well for a group of industrial employees, is probably pretty different than what a group of accountants might enjoy.

How do we understand how to appreciate our work force? We ask them what they want.

Many companies conduct an annual survey, and it simply sits in a drawer. Consider including questions regarding current or future employee engagement programs as a part of your survey. Take that information and put it into action.

Through Specialized HR Services, Specialized Staffing conducts in-person, one on one stay interviews. Through this program, we cultivate a culture of productive feedback. A critical area of our program is understanding what is needed and how to deliver employee appreciation. By gathering detailed insight in your organization, we can use this data to determine how you will put your best foot forward as an Employer of Choice.

Whether you ask on your own, or bring Specialized Staffing Solutions in to support Stay Interviews, soliciting employee feedback is a critical component of a successful, and profitable, Employee Engagement Program.

 

Specialized Staffing Solutions: Your Partner in Building a Culture of Appreciation

 

At Specialized Staffing Solutions (SSS), we understand the importance of building a strong employer brand and attracting top talent. Our services can help you achieve your goals:

 

Business Consulting: Our HR experts can conduct a comprehensive HR audit and provide strategic guidance on building a culture of appreciation specific to your company.

Employer of Choice Services: We help you develop an Employer Value Proposition (EVP) that showcases your appreciation for employees and attracts top performers.

HR Outsourcing: We can manage your entire HR function, allowing your internal team to focus on creating a meaningful employee experience.

Ready to cultivate a culture of appreciation within your organization? Contact Specialized Staffing Solutions today. Let’s build a brighter future for your employees and your business.

 

Visit our website to learn more about how our services can help:

 

Business Consulting: https://strategic-hrsolutions.com/contact-us/

Employer of Choice: https://www.indianachamber.com/nearly-200-companies-named-best-places-to-work-in-indiana-for-2024/

HR Outsourcing: https://www.specializedhrsolutions.com/

 

 

Digital Boards: The Modern Bulletin Board

Digital boards strategically placed throughout a company offer a dynamic and visually appealing way to share information. Their advantage lies in their ability to be easily updated, allowing for real-time communication. Regularly changing content keeps employees engaged and informed about the latest news, events, and announcements. This modern approach to the traditional bulletin board ensures that information is always current and easily accessible.

Paper Message Boards: A Classic Touch with a Twist

While paper message boards may seem traditional, they can still play a valuable role in internal communication when used thoughtfully. However, to be effective, these boards require consistent updates and refreshing. Regularly swapping out content ensures that employees pay attention and remain engaged with the information presented. When used in conjunction with digital platforms, paper message boards can complement the overall communication strategy.

Companywide Newsletter: Engaging Employees in the Conversation

A companywide newsletter is a powerful tool for fostering a sense of community among employees. Consider involving them in the creation process, allowing different departments to contribute articles or share their achievements. This not only diversifies the content but also encourages a collaborative spirit. Newsletters can be distributed digitally or in print, catering to various employee preferences.

Email Messages: Direct and Personalized Communication

Email remains a fundamental communication channel within organizations. It provides a direct and personalized way to convey important messages, updates, and announcements. However, it’s essential to strike a balance and avoid overwhelming employees with excessive emails. Tailoring the content to specific audiences ensures that the information is relevant and well-received. Consistently timed communication like a weekly, monthly, or quarterly newsletter where employees can find key updates allows employees to set expectations—and allows employers to meet them.

Company Intranet: A Hub for Information and Collaboration

A well-designed company intranet serves as a centralized hub for information, documents, and resources. It enhances accessibility and facilitates collaboration among employees. Regularly updating the intranet with relevant content ensures that employees turn to it as a reliable source for company-wide information.

Companywide Meetings: Face-to-Face Connection

Scheduled companywide meetings, including town halls, provide a platform for face-to-face communication. These gatherings foster a sense of unity and allow for interactive discussions. Incorporating technology for virtual attendance ensures that remote employees feel included and connected.

 

In a world where communication preferences vary, adopting a multi-channel approach is imperative for effective internal communication. By leveraging digital boards, paper messages, newsletters, email, intranets, and companywide meetings, organizations can create a robust and inclusive communication strategy. Regularly scheduled opportunities for employees to communicate, such as town halls, further enhance engagement and strengthen the bond between the company and its workforce. Embracing this diverse communication ecosystem not only keeps employees well-informed but also nurtures a culture of transparency, collaboration, and shared success.

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