Company culture has become a hot topic of late and many small business owners are scrambling a bit to learn how to improve their own. With so many people working from home, this can be a difficult feat. Your ability to hire and retain quality employees will be directly impacted by your company culture. While inclusiveness and advancement opportunities are the primary focus of late, there are several other steps that owners can take to improve their culture. “More than half of all people surveyed said that flexible work hours are important, regardless of their work arrangement. Flexible time off, communication from leadership, the option to work remotely, and programs that recognize employees for their hard work were also rated as having positive impacts.”

Flexible Schedules

Work-life balance is a major factor in building a healthy company culture. “Flexible schedules don't only provide employees with job satisfaction, better health, increased work-life balance, and less stress, they also benefit employers. Through higher productivity levels, less turnover, and reduced absenteeism, employers are able to retain qualified employees and save money as well.”

Flexible Time Off

“In the world of employee benefits, flexible PTO has the ability to positively impact your employees and the organization as a whole.” Benefits include:

• Lead to a more engaged workforce
• Attract and retain top employees
• Build company loyalty
• Convey trust and respect to employees
• Increase employee flexibility
• Support employees’ lives and families
• Increase employees’ autonomy and self-determination
• Reduce administrative burdens related to tracking PTO

Communication

“As a leader, you must inspire others through your words and actions. And before you speak, make sure you listen and observe; knowing your audience is as important as the message you're delivering. Communication informs, persuades, guides, and assures, as well as inspires.” Communication is essential in every aspect of business, and especially so with your employees during this trying time. Being transparent and open to questions will provide a level of comfort to your employees and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Remote Work

Offering remote work may not be feasible for many small businesses, but those who can offer it, should. The benefits for employees are well known, as they typically have more time to spend with loved ones and far fewer travel expenses. There are also many benefits for your business including:

• Lowered Business Expenses
• Greater Access to Applicants
• Increased Productivity
• Better Disaster Preparedness
• Improved Employee Satisfaction and Retention
• Reduced Carbon Footprint

Employee Recognition

“Employee recognition creates a cycle of positive feedback that begins with the individual. When an employee gets recognized for their achievements, they feel valued - but what’s more is that they feel like their work matters.” There are several ways and reasons to recognize your employees including:

• Bonuses
• Written praise
• Verbal praise
• Employee's first day
• Birthdays
• Employee Appreciation Day
• Work anniversaries
• Project completion

Building a healthy company culture starts at the top and will require an investment of time and money. However, the benefits can be substantial and long-lasting. Click below to learn how Quikstone Capital can help your business grow.