Attention, champions of progress! Amidst the bustling currents of today’s high-paced work arena, an urgent call reverberates: Employee wellbeing isn’t just a luxury; it’s the heartbeat of survival. The very question we should be asking remains, Is working for our company draining the positive energy from our employees and how are we going to fix it?
The bitter truth is that disgruntled employees are emotionally and financially expensive. The Society for Human Resource Management hits us with a cold, hard reality: Replacing a disenchanted employee can cost a jaw-dropping 90% to 200% of their annual salary! The aftermath is a shockwave that shatters teamwork and progress. So as competent, insightful, and amazing leaders, how do you create a leadership revolution to rebuild what’s broken?
Well, I hope to help you navigate this common workplace issue, because as leaders your goal is to cultivate strategies for a high-performance sanctuary. Cracking these conundrums is not a mere option; it’s imperative for your workplace’s vitality.
But first, let’s journey back to a moment in your history when your shoes mirrored those of your team. Think back to when you were at their level in the organization. Recall the values that resonated with you back then. Chances are, you will think of factors like monetary rewards, recognition, flexibility, and a path to personal growth within the organization. While these things remain important, other factors have rapidly risen up the list as well.
In the last few years, the workplace has undergone a seismic shift in how these factors rank. Today’s workforce prizes equilibrium, adaptability, and chances for continuous learning. And it’s upon you, the visionary leaders, to seamlessly integrate these facets into your professional arena. Here are three tips that can help you.
Focus on being a people leader as a primary over being a profit leader.
Weekly heart-to-hearts, opportunities for constructive feedback and creating arenas for grievances to find the light of day is important. Leaders must master the art of not taking feedback personally. When it comes to motivating employee success, your humility is now more important than your ego. Challenge excessive hours, celebrate rejuvenating breaks, and encourage attending their children’s soccer practice. I have a colleague, Cara Silleto, who says to her team, “Excellence without overtime.” All these steps constitute a symphony of communication, crucial to gauging your team’s contentment levels. So, lend your ears to their voices. Your employees want to feel heard.
Care about what they care about.
Equip your team with avenues for growth, mentoring, and a clear path to advancement. Your employees want to be better tomorrow than they were last week. They want to learn something new and grow individually. Humans have a distinct drive to want to achieve and accomplish. As leaders, you have the opportunity to present these opportunities to fulfill those desires. Remember, growth is not the same as promotion. Be deliberate about providing opportunities for your team members to experience new projects and access new information.
Help them build better brains.
Lastly, don’t overlook the significance of providing outlets for nurturing wellbeing in the workplace. Think meditation spaces, fitness areas, yoga classes, chair masseuses, and avenues for stimulating the mind—create a holistic offering that shows your earnest concern for their well-being.
Mercer reported that one of the biggest obstacles in 2023 was overcoming employee exhaustion. Providing social spaces and outlets to help your team manage their energy, and implementing processes that contribute to well-being can all contribute to helping your team build better brains.
I highly recommend that you start the dialogue with your team to discover their values and aspirations. Let your actions speak volumes, by prioritizing wellbeing in the workplace. The great Roman poet Virgil stated “ The greatest wealth is health” and his poetic statement stands true.
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