What do we mean by “Retaining employees?”
To "retain" something is to continue to have something. To retain employees is basically the idea of onboarding new staff and keeping them working happily for you.
Employee retention can influence customers opinions, which can affect your business sales and growth. The higher your employee retention is, the more likely you are to have a successful business.
Why is it Important to Retain Employees?
- It’s good for your reputation. The happier your employees are, the more likely they are to stay. This will improve or uphold your reputation in the public, and this can lead to a more successful business.
- The workforce will be more productive. The better place your business is to work, the more likely employees will be to work hard. The more productive your employees are the better your business will be.
- Happy staff = happy you!
Ways to Retain Your Employees
We understand that sometimes, things just don’t work out. However if you’re looking to retain staff, there is plenty that you can do as an employer to help.
Being supportive and understanding of your employees can go a long way to getting them to trust you. If they trust you then they will be more likely to work hard and support you right back. Besides, everyone has bad days! The more support you show for them on their bad days the happier they will feel at the company.
Get to know your employees. They’re all individuals and everyone should be celebrated for their unique personalities and skills. You might find more than just a good, hardworking, employee, you might even find a friend.
A staff day out or an office-based treat would make them feel appreciated, and help them to build relationships with each other. If employees are friendly and comfortable with each other, then they will most likely work better together as well. Keeping your business running like a well-oiled machine.
Free company merch can help employees feel like part of the team, and show them they’re wanted. You could supply new starters with their uniform, and also some company merchandise, a water bottle, or branded desk supplies. Here at Totally Branded, everyone gets a mug with their name on when they start! (We get desk accessories, too!)
Staff Appreciation Day is a day that rolls around once a year, specifically for employers to make a big deal of all their employees and to show them how much they’re appreciated. It’s usually on the first Friday of March. We actually already have a blog about “Staff Appreciation Day”, there you can find advice on what to do for the day, and even some links to our best corporate gifts!
4 Day Work Weeks Improve Employee Work-Life Balance
The idea of a 4 day work weeks have been trialled in other countries and were found to be successful. Iceland was one of the leading countries in the trials, which ran from 2015 – 2019. Workers were paid the same salaries as before, worked shorter weeks but productivity stayed the same, or improved.
The trial, run by Reykjavik City Council and the national Government included 2,500 workers and a range of workplaces. Including preschools, offices, and service providers. Many of the workers taking place in the trial moved from a 40 hour or more work week down to a 35-hour work week. Independent researchers from a UK based thinktank found that the people taking part in the trial were less stressed and many said that they felt their work-life balance was better. The success of the trial led Iceland’s Unions to negotiate working patterns with the Government and now 86% of workers in Iceland have moved to a 4-day work week for the same salary, or have the right to.
Now, this isn’t to say that every company should switch to a 4-day work week, but it is to say that working hours should be flexible and dependent on the staff member. Employers should take employee needs into account and allow for a more adaptable work schedule.
Want Some Company Branded Merchandise to Aid Employee Retention?
Company branded merch is great for onboarding new team members and helps you to retain employees. It can be used as part of a welcome pack or to make them feel like part of a proper team! Check out these great examples below!
Full Colour Printed Mugs
Why not get some branded company mugs? You can even get some branded with your employees names and tea/coffee order on them. That way, you’ll know how to make ‘Jackie’ a brew without even having to ask!
Individually name printed mugs
Laptop Sleeve 15.6
A handy branded laptop case would be great for when your employees are flexi-working between the office and home. They will be able to easily transport their equipment to and from while keeping their all-important technology safe from damage.
Geo Copper Vacuum Insulated Tumbler
Another branded piece of merchandise that could be a great help to your employees! Keep them going throughout the day with an insulated cup to make sure their coffees are hot and their hearts are warm.
Wooden MDF Coaster
All those cups and insulated tumblers, employees will need something to stand them on! Get some custom printed coasters, this will keep the office desks looking clean and stain free and give employees more pride in their space!
Printed Fabric Mouse Mats
These serve a great purpose when working with computers all day, there's nothing worse than an unresponsive mouse. It can delay work and cause unnecessary stress. The solution? A mat will give your computer mouse a smooth surface to glide over.
Stationary
Pens and Post-it notes should be an office essential! Luckily, we have a wide variety for you to choose from, including budget friendly pens and executive pens. Our Post-it notes range from the classic colourful squares through to the uniquely shaped and custom printed! Check out our sticky notes here!
Final Tips to Help you to Retain Employees?
- Reward Systems! when a member of the team does well, celebrate them!
- Offer training programmes! Allow them to gain invaluable knowledge and maybe even qualifications from the job. This is a great incentive.
- Be a brand they can be proud of. It’s all well and good being nice to your employees, but how you represent yourself in the wider community will make them feel proud to work for you. Help some local charities or take a stand on important issues, such as the environment or equality.