Attracting and retaining talent against a backdrop of low unemployment and a seismic shift in working practices is an on-going issue for SME owners and decision makers. Our research among 750 SMEs shows that the overwhelming majority (80%) are experiencing issues recruiting and/or retaining staff.
More than half (54%) of those say recruitment is their biggest concern. Meanwhile, 43% rank retention as their biggest issue.
Keeping a team together and happy in their roles is a key part of successfully managing a business.
So, how can you practically use your wellbeing strategy to connect with staff and strengthen loyalty with your business?
The first thing to remember is that your wellbeing strategy cannot afford to be static – because life isn’t – you need to keep checking in with your employees.
- Co-create the package of benefits
Every firm’s wellbeing strategy should include a range of benefits that address the key pillars of an employee’s wellbeing – financial, mental, physical, social, and environmental. But it doesn’t end there. The next step is to add additional layers of support in those areas your employees would benefit from the most.
- On-going communication is king
All too often employees are told about workplace benefits and support during their induction, then never hear of them again.
There’s little point in investing in a wellbeing proposition if you’re not telling people about it, so be sure to promote what’s available and seek feedback on what people do and don’t find beneficial.
- Diversify and regularly review benefits
Don’t look at your workforce as a homogenous group when deciding what support to include. Each individual employee will have his or her own requirements, which will evolve as they go through life.
These three simple pointers are a good starting point for fostering a closer relationship. Done regularly, this ‘check-in’ will ultimately improve the overall package of benefits for everyone, including the talent you may be looking to attract.
To find out more about tailored wellbeing packages for your business, click here.
