When employers are trying to keep employees happy, they often turn to money. However, giving employees a raise whenever they are stressed can be an expensive way to retain your staff. That said, keeping employees happy is an essential part of any business.
So, how can you keep employees happy without giving you a raise? Let us take a look at seven simple ways that you can do so.
- Offer employee benefits
There are many ways that you can supplement your employees’ salary, without giving them a pay rise, such as by offering employee benefits. Employee benefits can be anything from dental, optical, and physical wellness offers, gym memberships, childcare vouchers, transport subsidies, and even life insurance.
- Emphasise work-life balance and wellbeing
One thing that has become clear during the pandemic, is that employees value having a good work-life balance, as, after all, who doesn’t? Having a good work-life balance can boost overall wellbeing, as employees will come to work feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to get on with the day.
- Encourage open and honest communication
Open and honest communication is essential for a positive workplace. Create a working environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, thoughts, and opinions. It is also crucial to be as honest and open as you can, allowing employees to feel like they are being ‘let in’ on the ins and outs of the business.
- Allow for career progression
If raising salaries isn’t something that is feasible in the present, you can still help employees to train towards progressing in their careers in the future. Foster an environment of continued learning amongst your employees, and don’t be afraid to promote them when the time is right. This means you won’t have to look for new employees when your company is expanding.
- Offer more annual leave
A competitive amount of annual leave is a fantastic way to reward your employees and promote a healthy work-life balance. After all, these people work hard every single day for your business, so they deserve some time off to spend quality time with their families.
- Consider flexible working methods
Flexible working hours and offering the opportunity to work remotely can be a huge boost to employee happiness. Flexible working can allow employees to work around their personal commitments, such as childcare and looking after elderly relatives, easing their stresses and worries about losing money by taking time off.
- Always let your employees know you are thankful
People often quit bosses, not companies, so always ensure that your employees know how much you value them. In fact, one study found that 57% of people have left a job because of their manager, and 14% have done so on multiple occasions.
When employees are happy, this can be an incredibly valuable asset to your business. Not only do happy employees make for a happy boss, but happy employees are often less distracted, more focussed, more productive, more creative, and, not to mention, their happiness is infectious! With all these benefits in mind, improve your employees’ happiness by considering these seven ideas, without having to raise any salaries.
