By Nick Strain, CFP®, CPWA®, CEPA®, AIF® Senior Wealth Advisor at Halbert Hargrove
Company culture is often seen as a key component of job satisfaction. As offices reopen, a hybrid culture is emerging, one where employees may be in the office a few days a week while commuting remotely on others. So, how can companies small and large approach this new environment? What steps can they take to ensure their culture remains something to celebrate? Below, you’ll find some answers. But first, what does it mean to empower and engage employees, and why is it so vital for business outcomes?
Empowering and engaging your employees typically pays big
Empowerment and Engagement are words that stand for a host of attributes. But if we break them down, most business owners would agree that a key factor in empowering employees means entrusting them with the power to take initiative, make certain decisions, and take on responsibility.
This, in turn, is a critical ingredient of engagement: Employees feel valued for their contributions, supported in their work, and rewarded for a job well done. They have the assurance that their firm “has their back,” they have agency, and (on most days!) they enjoy what they do.
Building and maintaining an inviting working environment isn’t just about supporting competitive benefits – it’s also about creating, benefits-wise, a competitive culture. In terms of tangible benefits—salaries, health insurance, a retirement savings program—who wouldn’t prefer to work for a firm where you can grow professionally, feel valued, and enjoy those you work with?
Maintaining Company Culture in the Era of Working Remotely
COVID necessitated a change in how people work, including shifting operations online, which in turn impacted company culture. Depending on the kinds of products and services offered, “remote” could mean anything from all employees working from home to implementing social distancing procedures to allow the business to continue functioning. Below are tactics that can work for businesses of all sizes, across all industries looking to foster an involved, empowered employee culture.
Creating a best place to work
All the elements discussed above contribute to providing an environment where employees feel empowered and engaged. Now more than ever, supporting and encouraging employees to grow personally and professionally is vital to your success. As we’re poised to exit a handcuffed business environment, we need the contributions of an energized workforce to move forward to a brighter tomorrow. They’ll help set us up for success today – and be ready to take on whatever tomorrow throws at us.
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