While there is no perfect metric to measure employee satisfaction, there’s no denying that it’s a crucial aspect of any integrator’s success. Companies with higher employee satisfaction rates have better customer service, increased productivity, lower turnover, and, ultimately, more sales.
If your employee satisfaction rates aren’t where they need to be, improving them isn’t as daunting as you might think. It doesn’t need to involve huge salary increases or other benefits. There are simple ways you can improve morale and satisfaction.
1. Transparency
Trust and respect are the two crucial aspects of any relationship, including one between an employee and manager. Employees should know that they will get paid on time, be treated well, and feel that their managers have their best interests at heart. Transparency is a large component of trust. Leaders should always be open and honest in communicating anything to do with the company, whether it’s about issues, clients, projects, or anything else. The simple act of just being transparent puts people at ease.
2. Open Communication
There’s no such thing as too much communication. If you think you’re communicating enough, push yourself a little more. Managers need to work to establish a culture of open and honest communication so employees feel safe to voice their opinions, ideas, and concerns.
If leaders want to see more open communication between peers, then they need to set an example. By opening up the lines of communication, employees will know that you care. The platforms for communication don’t need to be formal – it can be as easy as encouraging more breakroom discussions or asking questions about projects or personal lives.
3. Build Employees Up
Leaders should remember to give employees positive feedback for a job well done – no matter how big or small the task. One of the most important factors in job satisfaction is that employees feel like they’re good at their jobs. Managers should reinforce that idea with positive feedback. Feedback helps them stay engaged in their work and focused on the project at hand.
Another way to build employees up is by helping them learn new skills. When employees aren’t learning new concepts or skills, they may get bored with their jobs and job satisfaction could plummet. Managers can combat this boredom by implementing projects that encourage continuous education.
4. Say Thank You
Showing gratitude is a huge part of employee satisfaction – and something that’s very often overlooked. Simply acknowledging and thanking employees for all their hard work can make them feel more valued and increase their productivity. According to Harvard Health, just acknowledging fundraisers’ work with donors led to a 50% increase in productivity.
By establishing weekly “kudos” or simple thank yous, leaders can create a positive culture and work environment where employees feel valued.
5. Let Employees Help Invest
In order for employees to feel valued, it’s important to let them help make decisions about the company’s future. They shouldn’t feel like cogs in a machine, but instead feel like they are contributing to the big picture to help the company work toward its goals.
Rather than establish top-down, “management-knows-best” solutions, managers should allow employees to set goals and solve problems.
According to Gallup, only 13% of employees are satisfied at work. So there’s huge room for improvement! By making employees feel valued and good at their jobs, you’ll create a positive work environment – and your customers will feel that impact through their interactions with your team.
Organizations that take time to invest in their employees will likely grow profit margins as employees become more productive and efficient – and customers are treated with better service. –Dan Newman, Cofounder of V3*Broadsuite