Mediation is usually required when a company runs into a problem with employment laws. Mediation prevents companies from taking huge hits to their reputation and finances. Keeping employees happy reduces the economic and emotional costs for companies and the need for legal intervention.
It pays to know the mediation employment law in case something unexpected happens, but avoiding problems before they even occur is a better approach. Some of the low-cost, long-term solutions companies can employ include the following:
Be Honest in Job Descriptions
Employee satisfaction begins with honest job descriptions. That goes beyond creating an attractive job listing. Tasks described under these job posts must be what the employees will carry out when they start working. Copywriters can’t be expected to do graphics in addition to writing copy decks, nor should graphic designers be expected to edit the copy they’re handed beyond simple grammar or spelling tweaks.
Employees who feel they’re not mismatched with their jobs and know what they’re expected to do will experience less frustration when they start out.
Promote and Support a Healthy Work-Life Balance
A good work-life balance can determine the duration of employment for some workers. Overwork employees to the point that they can’t relax, or miss out on milestones, and they’re bound to leave for a company that respects their time.
To ensure that this concept is enacted in the workplace, employers need to be responsible when it comes to task setting, communication expectations and paid time off. Top staffers must encourage their staff to take breaks, as overworked employees are bound to burn out. Employers also need to assure staff that when they’re out of the office, the office won’t badger them with tasks and reminders—unless it’s a serious emergency.
Give Control to and Engage Workers
Nothing can make a worker feel more unsatisfied in their lot than feeling like a cog in the machine. Making employees feel like they’re part of the big picture and that their labor contributed to the total success of the company is a surefire way to get workers to be on their best form.
Once workers understand the direction of the company, it’s time to give them more autonomy. Some executives feel the urge to micromanage every aspect of a company, but that fussing can make workers feel complacent or powerless to do what they’re hired for. Allowing employees to exercise creativity and improvise when called for will cut down on insubordination.
Appreciate Good Work
Employees may feel demoralized if their hard work goes by unappreciated. Recognizing the work of employees is a great way for managers to let their teams know that they’re valuable to the company and would be missed if they leave.
Praise can’t be as generic as telling someone they did a good job. Managers take a good, hard look at what workers actually do and adapt their praise according to those specifics. Heap on the praise where people can see it—and point out mistakes in private.
Offer Flexible Work Hours
Flexible work hours contribute to a good work-life balance. They’re great for single parents, working parents, and people with multiple jobs. They benefit the employers and the workers, as they can accomplish their goals on time while fulfilling other obligations.
Maintaining peace and satisfaction in the workplace is not a solitary effort. As seen above, there must be a concerted effort among executives to improve happiness at work. A little change can go a long way in lowering the attrition rate.
