Employee Relations

Terms of Engagement: Helpful Tips on Improving Employee Participation

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Employee engagement is a critical factor in any organization’s success. Engaged employees are more productive, more creative, and more likely to stay with their company. They are also more likely to provide excellent customer service and to go above and beyond for their colleagues. There are many steps that organizations can take to maintain employee engagement. Some of the most important include:

  • Keep the Workplace Positive. This means providing employees with a safe, comfortable, and supportive workspace. It also means fostering a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration.
  • Give Purpose. Employees want to feel like they are making a difference in the world. When they understand the purpose of their work and how it contributes to the organization’s goals, they are more likely to be engaged.
  • Engender Growth. Employees want to learn and grow in their careers. When they are given opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge, they are more likely to be engaged and satisfied with their work.
  • Reward Good Work. Employees want to feel appreciated for their hard work. When they are recognized and rewarded for their contributions, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.
  • Listen. Employees want to feel like their voices are heard. When organizations listen to employees’ feedback and take it into account, employees are more likely to be engaged and feel like they are part of the team.

Maintaining Employee Engagement in a Changing World

The world of Human Resources is a constantly changing game. Technology is allowing us to completely reimagine the way we work, and the global economy is creating new opportunities and challenges. In this changing environment, it is more important than ever for organizations to maintain employee engagement as this will directly affect the bottom line.

  • Be flexible and adaptable. The Human Resources industry is changing rapidly, so organizations need to be flexible and adaptable. This means being willing to change the way work is done, and being open to new ideas and approaches.
  • Invest in training and development. Employees need to be able to adapt to the changing demands of the workplace. Organizations need to invest in training and development programs that will help employees develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the future.
  • Create a culture of continuous learning. Employees should be encouraged to learn new things and to share their knowledge with others. A culture of continuous learning will help employees stay engaged and motivated.
  • Empower employees. Employees want to feel like they have a say in how their work is done. When employees are empowered to make decisions and to take ownership of their work, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated.
  • Celebrate successes. When employees achieve their goals, it is important to celebrate their successes. This will help to keep employees motivated and engaged.
  • Provide clear and concise communication. Employees need to know what is expected of them, and they need to be kept up-to-date on the company’s goals and objectives.
  • Create a sense of community. Employees want to feel like they are part of a team. Organizations can foster a sense of community by organizing social events, providing opportunities for employees to get to know each other, and creating a culture of collaboration.
  • Offer competitive compensation and benefits. Employees want to be fairly compensated for their work, and they want to have access to good benefits. Organizations can attract and retain top talent by offering competitive compensation and benefits packages.

Employee engagement is essential for any organization’s success. By following the tips in this article, organizations can create a workplace where employees are engaged, motivated, and productive. By taking the time to invest in employee engagement, organizations can reap the benefits of a more productive, motivated, and satisfied workforce.

Increasing Employee Retention

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As a Human Resources manager, you know that employee retention is one of the most important aspects of having a reliable and seasoned workforce. After the so-called “Great Resignation” over the last two years, retention is of the utmost importance to maintaining your company’s positive corporate culture, and more importantly increasing productivity.

When employees leave, it can cost the company monetarily in terms of both lost productivity, time-intensive hiring processes, and ever-growing training costs. In addition to damaging morale, it can be difficult to find qualified replacements for top performers at a moment’s notice. Here are a few key strategies from successful HR professionals to increase employee retention:

Keep it fun and positive! 
Employees are more likely to stay with a company if they enjoy their work and feel valued by their employer. A positive work environment is one where employees feel respected, appreciated, and supported. It’s also a place where employees feel like they can contribute to the company’s success and make a difference.

Make it worthwhile. 
Employees need to be paid fairly for their work, and they also need to have access to benefits that are important to them. This could include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.

Make them driven. 
Employees want to feel like they are growing and developing in their careers. By providing opportunities for growth and development, you can help employees stay engaged and motivated. This could include offering training programs, tuition reimbursement, or mentoring programs.

Reward effort. 
When employees do a good job, it’s important to let them know. Recognition and rewards can be as simple as a thank-you note or a public shoutout. They can also be more formal, such as a bonus or a promotion.

Listen to them. 
Employees want to feel like their voices are heard. By taking the time to listen to employee feedback, you can learn what’s important to them and make changes to improve the work environment.

Create team members. 
Employees are more likely to stay with a company if they have a good relationship with their manager and other employees. By taking the time to get to know your employees and build relationships with them, you can create a more positive and supportive work environment.

Be Flexible. 
Many employees appreciate the ability to work from home or have flexible hours. This can help them to balance their work and personal lives, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and retention.

Be inclusive. 
Employees who feel like they are part of a welcoming and inclusive workplace are more likely to be happy and productive. By creating a culture of inclusion and diversity, you can attract and retain the best talent from all backgrounds.

By following these strategies, HR managers can help to improve employee retention and create a more productive and successful workforce. By taking the time to implement these effective retention strategies, HR managers can help to create a more productive and successful workforce.

The Four-Day Work Week: Embracing Change for a Better Work-Life Balance

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In recent years, the concept of a four-day work week has gained traction as a means to enhance work-life balance and employee well-being. As companies recognize the benefits, an increasing number are transitioning to this alternative work arrangement. With companies like Bolt, Qwick, Microsoft, and Amazon leading the way, the four-day work week is revolutionizing how we approach work.

Historical Perspectives and Modern Adaptations

The concept of reducing work hours has a historical foundation. In the 1920s, Henry Ford discovered that productivity plateaued after 40 hours of work per week. This realization prompted him to adopt the 40-hour workweek, subsequently popularized by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in 1938. While the FLSA does not define full or part-time employment, it established the 40-hour workweek as a standard. However, in the current era, companies are reevaluating this standard and experimenting with innovative approaches like the four-day work week to foster better work-life balance and maximize employee potential.

Increased Productivity and Collaboration

Bolt Financial’s successful experiment with the four-day work week exemplifies the positive impact on productivity. After testing the concept for three months in 2021, Bolt made the change permanent from January 1st, 2022. The company’s founder noted that the focus on collaborative work during the four working days ensured that meetings did not encroach on valuable Friday time. By optimizing collaboration and minimizing distractions, the company witnessed a boost in productivity, leading to better outcomes and employee satisfaction.

Improved Work-Life Integration: The Qwick Example

Qwick, an innovative staffing platform, recognizes the importance of work-life integration and has implemented a four-day work week. The company’s decision reflects their commitment to creating a supportive and fulfilling work environment. Qwick’s CEO emphasizes that the team is the foundation of their mission, and by offering a four-day work week, they aim to align their workplace practices with their overall vision. This change allows employees to enjoy extended weekends, providing time for personal pursuits, family commitments, and self-care, resulting in improved work-life integration and overall well-being.

Employee Well-being and Engagement

A shorter work week significantly impacts employee well-being, leading to higher job satisfaction and increased engagement. In 2019, Microsoft Japan conducted a four-day work week experiment, witnessing a remarkable 40% increase in productivity and greater employee satisfaction. When employees have more time to rest, rejuvenate, and pursue personal interests, they bring renewed energy and focus to their work. Furthermore, a compressed work schedule demonstrates an employer’s commitment to employee welfare, nurturing loyalty, motivation, and a sense of belonging within the organization.

Environmental Sustainability

The benefits of a four-day work week extend beyond personal well-being and productivity. By reducing the number of commuting days, companies can contribute to a significant reduction in carbon emissions and alleviate traffic congestion. Fewer work days also mean reduced energy consumption in office spaces, leading to cost savings and a smaller ecological footprint. Embracing the four-day work week aligns with sustainable practices, demonstrating corporate responsibility and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The shift towards a four-day work week represents a transformative approach to work, prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a healthier work-life balance. The success stories of companies like Bolt, Qwick, Microsoft, and Amazon, coupled with historical context, highlight the benefits of this paradigm shift. As more organizations embrace change, we can envision a future where employees are happier, more engaged, and empowered to lead fulfilling lives both inside and outside of the workplace.

Communication is the Silent Key to Employee Retention

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As an employee, there’s nothing more satisfying than working for a company that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Employee retention is a critical factor for the success of any organization, and effective communication plays a vital role in keeping employees engaged and motivated.

Why Communication Matters in Employee Retention:

  1. Building Trust and Engagement:
    • Open and Transparent Communication: Foster an environment where open and transparent communication is encouraged. This helps build trust between employees and management. 
    • Regular Updates: Provide regular updates about company goals, objectives, and any changes happening within the organization. This keeps employees informed and engaged.
  2. Recognizing and Valuing Employees:
    • Feedback and Recognition: Regularly provide feedback to employees about their performance, strengths, and areas for improvement. Recognize and appreciate their efforts and achievements. 
    • Personalized Communication: Tailor communication to individual employees, taking into account their preferences and communication styles.
  3. Supporting Career Growth:
    • Development Opportunities: Communicate with employees about their career goals and aspirations. Provide them with opportunities for professional development and growth.
    • Performance Conversations: Engage in regular performance conversations with employees to identify areas where they can enhance their skills and knowledge.
  4. Encouraging Work-Life Balance:
    • Flexible Communication Channels: Provide flexible communication channels that accommodate employees’ work-life balance needs. This could include remote work options, flexible hours, or alternative communication methods.
    • Respect for Personal Time: Encourage employees to prioritize their personal time and respect their boundaries outside of work.
  5. Resolving Conflict:
    • Active Listening: Practice active listening when employees express their concerns or conflicts. Show empathy and seek to understand their perspective.
    • Constructive Feedback: Provide constructive feedback and guidance to resolve conflicts, ensuring a fair and respectful resolution.

Practical Tips for Enhancing Communication:

  1. Foster Open Dialogue:
    • Encourage employees to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns openly. Create a safe space where everyone’s input is valued and respected.
  2. Use Various Communication Channels:
    • Utilize a mix of communication channels, such as face-to-face meetings, emails, instant messaging, and video conferences, to ensure effective communication across different contexts and preferences.
  3. Train Managers on Effective Communication:
    • Provide training and support for managers to enhance their communication skills. This includes active listening, providing feedback, and managing difficult conversations.
  4. Establish Regular Check-ins:
    • Schedule regular one-on-one meetings between employees and their managers to discuss progress, challenges, and goals. This allows for ongoing communication and support.
  5. Promote Collaboration:
    • Encourage collaboration and teamwork by creating opportunities for employees to work together on projects or cross-functional teams. This enhances communication, builds relationships, and fosters a sense of belonging.

Effective communication is a fundamental aspect of employee retention. By prioritizing open and transparent communication, recognizing employees’ contributions, supporting their career growth, promoting work-life balance, and addressing conflicts, organizations can create a positive and engaging work environment. When employees feel valued, heard, and supported, they are more likely to stay committed and contribute to the long-term success of the company.

Who’s Responsible for Improving Employee Engagement

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Employee engagement is a measure of how invested and connected employees feel towards their jobs, colleagues, and the overall goals of the company. It goes beyond mere job satisfaction and is essential for creating a motivated, productive, and high-performing workforce.

Why Employee Engagement Matters:

  1. Boosted Productivity: Employees are focused, proactive, and always on the lookout for ways to improve processes and deliver exceptional results. Their drive and commitment lead to increased productivity and operational excellence.
  2. Enhanced Retention and Attraction: Employees stick around. They feel a sense of belonging, value, and purpose within the organization, which nurtures loyalty and reduces turnover. Moreover, a company known for its high employee engagement becomes a magnet for top talent, ensuring a steady influx of skilled professionals.
  3. Happy Customers: Employees’ enthusiasm, dedication, and exceptional service delivery create positive experiences for customers. Satisfied customers become loyal advocates, boosting the organization’s reputation and bottom line.
  4. Well-being and Job Satisfaction: Employees’ overall well-being and job satisfaction improve significantly through creating a supportive work environment, offering work-life balance initiatives, and promoting a positive culture. Organizations that prioritize employee engagement also prioritize employee well-being.

Who’s Responsible for Improving Employee Engagement:

Improving employee engagement is a team effort. While leadership plays a crucial role in setting the tone and direction, every individual within the organization has a part to play.

  1. Leadership: Leadership sets the stage for employee engagement. They must communicate openly, transparently, and consistently, sharing the organization’s vision, goals, and progress. They also have the responsibility to empower employees, recognize their efforts, and provide opportunities for growth and development.
  2. Managers and Supervisors: Direct supervisors have a significant impact on employee engagement. They should create a supportive, inclusive, and empowering work environment. Regular check-ins, constructive feedback, and coaching are vital tools for building strong relationships with their team members.
  3. Human Resources: HR departments play a pivotal role in designing and implementing initiatives that support employee engagement. This includes developing training programs, recognition schemes, career development opportunities, and fostering a culture of feedback and open communication.
  4. Employees: Yes, employees themselves have a responsibility to actively engage in their work. They can take ownership of their professional development, seek out growth-opportunities, contribute to a positive work environment, and provide feedback and suggestions for improvement.

How to Promote Employee Engagement:

  1. Foster a Culture of Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue, active listening, and feedback mechanisms throughout the organization. Regularly share updates, successes, and challenges to keep everyone informed and engaged.
  2. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Implement a robust recognition program that acknowledges and appreciates employees’ efforts and accomplishments. Tailor rewards to individual preferences to ensure they feel valued and recognized.
  3. Support Career Development: Offer training programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear growth paths to enable employees to develop their skills and advance their careers within the organization.
  4. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage work-life balance by providing flexible working arrangements, wellness programs, and promoting self-care initiatives. Prioritizing employees’ well-being fosters higher engagement levels.
  5. Facilitate Collaboration and Teamwork: Create opportunities for employees to collaborate, share knowledge, and work together on projects. This promotes a sense of camaraderie, increases engagement, and fuels innovation.
  6. Empower and Delegate: Trust employees with responsibilities and autonomy in their roles. Empower them to make decisions, take ownership, and contribute to decision-making processes.

Improving employee engagement is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a collective effort from leadership, managers, HR, and employees themselves. By fostering open communication, recognition, career development, work-life balance, collaboration, and empowerment, organizations can create a thriving culture of engagement.

Stirring the Pot: Lessons in Workplace Retaliation from Chipotle

Workplace retaliation remains a significant concern in today’s professional landscape, often hindering employees from exercising their rights without fear of retribution. Recently, Chipotle Mexican Grill agreed to a $2.9 million settlement to resolve allegations of workplace retaliation involving shift changes and sick time regulations in its Seattle locations. This case serves as a crucial example of why HR professionals must stay vigilant and proactive in preventing and addressing workplace retaliation.

Understanding Retaliation in the Workplace

When engaging in the workplace, employees have certain expectations. They anticipate fair treatment, proper compensation, and an overall productive experience as they contribute to the team. However, not every employee enjoys this kind of positive environment. Whether it’s due to poor management or systemic issues, some employees encounter unfair treatment at work. In such cases, these employees may need to exercise their rights to ensure they are treated fairly. Unfortunately, this can expose them to the risk of workplace retaliation.

Forms of Workplace Retaliation

Workplace retaliation can manifest in various ways. Here are some common examples:

  • Demotion or Unwanted Transfers: A sudden reduction in job rank or responsibilities or being moved to a different role or location without consent.
  • Schedule Changes/Reduction in Hours: Unwanted adjustments to work schedules or reduced hours.
  • Hostile Work Environment: Creating an intimidating or uncomfortable workplace.
  • Reducing or Withholding Pay: Unjust pay cuts or delays.
  • Heightened Surveillance: Excessive monitoring of an employee’s work activities.

Despite workplace retaliation being illegal, HR managers must be prepared to address any allegations that may arise. Although tackling these situations can be challenging, addressing them professionally and in compliance with the law benefits the HR team and the company.

Case Study – Chipotle’s Settlement

A notable example of workplace retaliation involves Chipotle Mexican Grill, which recently settled allegations of violating shift changes and sick time regulations. In this case, Chipotle faced accusations of:

  • Retaliation against Employees for Exercising Rights: This included retaliating against an employee for calling out sick, and also retaliation toward an employee who declined to work shifts changed with less than 14 days’ notice.
  • Violating Seattle’s Secure Scheduling Ordinance: Employers are required to publish work schedules at least 14 days ahead of time and must honor employees’ rights to refuse any additional hours that weren’t part of the original schedule.
  • Retaliating Against an Employee for Having a Second Job: An employee requested not to be scheduled at specific times due to a second job, leading to alleged retaliation.

These accusations culminated in Chipotle agreeing to a settlement of $2.9 million, distributed among 1,853 employees in Seattle. Additionally, Chipotle will pay $7,300 to the City of Seattle.

It is worth noting that instances of retaliation may not always indicate that the entire company is malicious. Sometimes, it can be a few leaders making poor decisions. Nonetheless, even one instance of retaliation can damage the company’s reputation and require significant remediation efforts.

Key Practices to Prevent Retaliation

To create a fair workplace environment and prevent retaliation, HR professionals should consider implementing the following key practices:

Clear Policies and Training

  • Establish company policies on retaliation, ensuring they are clear, well-communicated, and understood by all employees. Offer regular training to management on fair practices and compliance with labor laws.

Confidential Reporting Mechanisms

  • Implement confidential systems that allow employees to report workplace issues or retaliation without fear of retribution. These mechanisms should be easily accessible and trusted.

Prompt Investigation and Action

  • Develop a structured process for investigating claims of retaliation and take prompt action to address any violations. Swift responses send a message that retaliation will not be tolerated.

Secure Scheduling and Fair Compensation

  • Adopt scheduling practices that respect employees’ work-life balance and comply with state and federal laws. Ensure fair compensation for additional hours or shift changes.

Open Communication and Employee Involvement

  • Encourage open communication among HR, management, and employees. Involve staff in policy development and decision-making processes to foster a sense of inclusion and trust.

By implementing these practices, HR professionals can create a workplace that not only avoids retaliation but also promotes a positive and supportive culture, where employees feel valued and respected.

Committing to a Culture of Safety

The Chipotle case underscores the importance of HR professionals taking proactive measures to prevent retaliation and ensure compliance with labor regulations. By implementing the strategies discussed, HR can effectively prevent retaliation and create a safer workplace. This not only benefits employees but also contributes to a healthier, more productive workplace for all.

Retention Is Not Just a Trending Buzzword in HR, Here’s Why

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Given all the tech layoffs and the Great Resignation that have been dominating headlines recently, we have been hearing a lot about employee retention. However, “Retention” is not a new concept, even though it may be a trending buzzword in the human resource industry. In fact, a good employee retention program has been a cornerstone strategy for not only retaining employees but also attracting them for decades. Why? Employee retention is a serious issue that many organizations have faced or will face.

There are many reasons employee retention is key to a healthy business. One of the main reasons that makes sense from an economic standpoint is that employee turnover is costly. It is more efficient keeping a quality employee than trying to recruit and then training another replacement to perform at the same level. Not only that, but unexpected employee turnover can severely disrupt overall performance within your organization. Furthermore, on-going employee turnover is time-consuming, can affect the morale of the company, lead to bad performances, and decrease your ability to attract new talent. In addition, there are record shortages of skilled employees and it is increasingly difficult to attract them, especially if your business has a reported high turnover rate.

Coming up with a good employee retention program is a key strategy for retaining the employees you want to keep on board, and it all starts with the basic constructs of transparency and fairness. Transparency, often an overlooked construct, leaves lasting impressions on your employees and potential hires. Fairness along with transparency with your employees and potential hires builds trust within your organization. For example, fair compensation, employee/employer trust, job security, opportunities for growth, and the ability to use special skills have been reported as top factors in job satisfaction by employees. Another key factor in a good employee retention program is engagement. Engaging your employees helps further build enthusiasm as well as helps motivate them to be productive. Finding different ways to engage employees can be time consuming but the payoff is worth it. Organizations that focus on employee retention see increased productivity, improved employee morale, improved quality of work, and reduced turnover, which makes it worth their time and financial investment.

In a nutshell, a good employee retention program involves strategizing on how to keep employees motivated and focused so that they are productive and beneficial to the organization. By prioritizing employee retention, organizations are retaining their talented and motivated employees. Ultimately, while many buzzwords come and go, retention will remain a top priority for HR leaders and will probably be “trending” for years to come.