• Employees are looking for comprehensive benefits and even those just starting their career are concerned about saving for retirement. Better benefits equal less employee turnover. Offer attractive, competitive benefits and 401(k) packages.
• Encourage employees to share knowledge and ideas in training, meetings, and presentations. Foster an environment of continual learning and mentoring to ensure employees feel as though they are always growing.
• Always be respectful and polite to employees, especially when addressing sensitive or potentially embarrassing situations. Listen to their suggestions and concerns and express yourself genuinely.
• Express appreciation and praise for a job well done. Always give performance feedback, whether positive or negative.
• Understand that your employees have a life and family outside of work – allow flexible schedules (i.e. later starting times or earlier ending times) as long as core business hours are fulfilled.
• 360 feedback surveys are a great way to give employees constructive criticism and demonstrate your willingness to not only improve the work environment but others around the employee as well.
• Employees should be actively involved with decisions and circumstances that affect their jobs. Involve them in discussions regarding the company’s future, mission, and vision- this will ensure everyone feels a part of the organization.
• To avoid overworked or burnt-out employees, make sure you staff adequately to reduce workloads and overtime.
• Encourage and cultivate company traditions. Sponsor a softball team, have monthly charities, or an annual costume party.
• Support opportunities that allow employees personal and career growth, furthering their education, or taking on challenging projects, such as putting in cork flooring in their house

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