If You’re Happy and You Know It

Employers are learning to adapt in the wake of many businesses returning to pre-Covid staffing levels. They are exploring many strategies to recruit and retain employees; these include retention bonuses, sign on bonuses, and increased wages.  However, research has shown that boosting employee morale has always been a tried-and-true formula for attracting and retaining top notch employees.

If you are dissatisfied with your current employer, you are not alone. A 2017 Gallup poll found that only 30% of workers feel engaged or connected to their employers. A separate poll indicates that 30% of millennials would quit their jobs if they became unhappy, and 79% of them think that their bosses don’t care. Low morale costs more than just the loss of good employees. It has a hefty price tag as well with turnover costing businesses anywhere from 450 billion to 550 billion dollars per year.

The good news is that employers are catching on to what increases employee morale. If you are in the market for a new job, you might want to consider a company that engages in the following practices.

1. Work Life Balance- Employers have learned that all work and no play make for sad, unproductive employees. Companies who value vacation and time off for their employees are able to retain the best of the best.
2. Transparency – Employees want to know that their employers do not have a hidden agenda and appreciate transparency with management’s decisions.
3. Freedom- Employees appreciate their employers letting them be their authentic selves. Old standards for company dress codes have become more lenient and expressive.
4. Leadership- Employees are happiest when they see leadership “walking the walk”. They want to be led by example.
5. Recognition- Employees appreciate recognition or appreciation in any form. Employers who reward their employees often reap the reward of retaining employees for the long- term.  

Larger companies have been among the first to devise new and ingenious ways to recruit and retain employees, but smaller companies are becoming innovative as well. If you are experiencing job burnout, please call one of our Recruiters at 334-265-0100. We have over 60 years of experience helping people, and we would love the opportunity to help you be happy in your career. “If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it, if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.”