Keeping your employees happy without giving them a raise

Studies show that satisfaction from your employees comes from many different factors and salary isn’t always the driving force. Here are some key tips for keeping your staff happy without smashing your HR budget.

We share some secrets from Business News Daily.

1. Be transparent
   One of the most important ways to maintain staff loyalty is to keep them in the loop about how the company is performing. It’s been proven that openness and transparency in the office increases an employee’s happiness at work, so be honest, whether business is or isn’t booming.
2. Create a healthy work-life balance
   Having a good work-life balance is the Holy Grail for most of us and is key to a healthy mind, spirit and body. Encourage flexibility, try to ensure that your staff go home on time, and focus on their productivity rather than if they rack up endless working hours.
3. Encourage communication in common areas
   There’s something to be said about having a water-cooler moment. Having an area where casual conversation is possible will stimulate bonding between your staff and management and will naturally make people feel more at ease.
4. Build a career pathway
   One way to encourage an employee’s loyalty and longevity is by investing in them. Offer career coaching and training courses within the organisation and the foresight to help your employees grow and develop.
5. Recognise and reward employees
   We all like a pat on the back now and again. So when your employees go that extra mile, ensure you recognise it, even with a simple ‘Well done’ or a handwritten note.
6. Try to reduce emails and meetings
   “Many employees feel that a flooded inbox and a constant string of meetings waste time and hinder productivity. Replace some of those emails and meetings with technology that helps them save time and collaborate more efficiently,” says Sydney Sloan, director of customer and social marketing at Jive.
7. Offer added benefits beyond the basics
   Think about your reputation as an employer. Consider offering special perks for your employees, such free posh coffee or gym memberships. Have bowls of fruit around the office, start walking groups at lunchtime or find other ways to boost employee health. It’s a key part of employer branding.
8. Keep in touch regularly and ask employees for their input
   Whether it’s a one-on-one coffee meeting or an after-work social, try connecting with your staff on a regular basis to make them feel heard and worthwhile. Give them room for free thinking and allow them involvement in the company by listening to their ideas.
9. Include the staff in the company’s bigger picture
   “The best benefit you can provide to your employees is the opportunity to make a difference through their work and help guide the course of the company,” says Anthony Smith, founder and CEO of Insightly. “Benefits such as clear and frequent communication on company happenings, individual and department direction, and big-picture company direction will make all the difference to an employee’s happiness.”