Let’s face it – past knowledge can become obsolete within a matter of years. And now every industry is affected by the pandemic – a lot of data and training can no longer be relevant.
Hiring managers are not the only ones frustrated – employees are as well. In order to stay ahead of the curve – it is incredibly important to invest in your team. What does this mean?
Encourage Learning
Now, this does not mean having to pay for an employee’s Masters or Ph.D. However, an employee will benefit greatly from other types of tuition. E-learning has been all the rave lately. Especially with the increase in remote “workplaces.” Offering your employee the opportunity to improve a skill or expertise in a program will not only be beneficial to you but them as well. A lot of us feel disconnected from each other as we work from home. Showing that you trust and prioritize their education will make them feel like a real asset – which they are! Whether it’s RSVPing them to a virtual seminar or enrolling them into an e-learning program, there’s plenty of training options they will be sure to benefit from.
Update the Equipment
As working from home becomes the new norm – and will continue to be so for many companies throughout 2021 – a lot of us have been investing a little bit more into our home offices. Although most have transitioned successfully, there are always areas that could use a little boost. Consider investing in new webcams or headphones for employees that are constantly on video calls. Even sending over a package of pens, notebooks, and other office supplies (with a little branded swag) will give your employees a little upgrade to their current office space situation. It’s understandable that employers can be hesitant to invest in #wfh equipment, especially if they have plans of transitioning employees back to the office. But the purpose of doing this goes beyond enhancing an employee’s desk setup – it helps with retention. Showing that you care about your employees gives them a sense of belonging and security, especially during these seemingly uncertain times.
Take the Time to Communicate
This one may seem obvious – but from time to time it can be easily overlooked. A lot of top employees leave their jobs because they don’t feel recognized or appreciated for their efforts. Because of this, it’s important to check-in with employees to acknowledge their performance and ask how they are doing. Consider hosting a virtual “coffee break” to make things more relaxed, especially when working remotely. A lot of us can feel burned out from being tethered to our jobs since the pandemic. Engaging with your team in a non-authoritative way can ease tension – so be sure to invest in your employees socially. They will appreciate your active listening and feel valued.
You can invest in your team in a variety of ways. It can be through education, equipment, or plain ol’ communication. Whichever way you decide to go about it, it’s essential to let your team know that both you and the company value them. Not only will this enhance company culture, but the retention of your top team members.