Top four tactics for happy employees

Employers are pouring more energy into satisfying their employees, particularly with the unemployment rate so low and recruiters trying to grab your best stars!

So, we at Q Market Research did an analysis of 50 recent articles on how to keep and motivate employees and get them to give their best. We’re interested in this topic because we do employee satisfaction surveys, which are the best way to get a baseline of your employee issues.

The top motivators are NOT about giving higher wages or more vacation time. In fact, experts say that if you need cash to motivate employees, you could have lost them to a job search.

What are the top four essential things you can do to satisfy and motivate employees?

1.       Recognize accomplishments. This recognition can be given one-on-one, at team meetings or at all-employee meetings. Be specific as to how the contribution either advanced a company goal or reflected a company value. And do this often.

2.       Thank employees. Yes, a simple “Thank you” goes a long way. Employers may think it is more helpful to point out issues and problems, but thanking an employee goes a lot further in building their commitment and confidence.

3.       Offer opportunities. Employees say they would rather be offered a chance to take on more responsibility than get cash (how about that?)! They want to grow their skills and talents, seeing this as a stronger pathway to job security than a gift certificate.

4.       Be transparent and honest. Employees crave an honest understanding of how the company is doing and where it is headed. They want to know what is working and what needs to be fixed. And they want to feel trusted and a part of the big picture.

Said one HR executive: “Underappreciated employees are not committed or inspired employees.”

For employee satisfaction surveys, give Q Market Research and Rick Naymark a call at 612-875-9081. It’s always best to use an independent researcher so employees feel safe in giving honest responses.