The Benefits Employees REALLY Want

“How do I keep my best employees?”  This is the question that many companies are asking today, when skilled talent is limited.

My first answer to this question is that it all depends on the employee. Some employees are motivated by money, while others are motivated by time off or just general acts of appreciation. 

However, the big motivator with employees today is FLEXIBILITY.  If you are that employer who demands that your employees be in the office from 8AM – 5PM every day, I’m here to tell you that it’s time to lighten up!

Today’s employees are looking for benefits such as flexible hours, the ability to work remotely, and demonstrated trust from their employers.

Flexibility

Face time in the office from 8AM – 5PM is not appealing to employees today.  While most people are trying to earn a living and be successful, sometimes life gets in the way, requiring flexibility with work schedules. Your employees are looking for flexibility to work outside of the standard office hours and the ability to do this without feeling guilty.

Are there times when they need to be in the office?  Absolutely!  It is your responsibility to ensure employees are aware of times they are expected to be in the office so that they understand expectations and plan accordingly.

Working Remote

There are times when it simply makes sense to work from home; when a child is sick, when waiting on the plumber to fix leaky pipes, or when working on a large project which requires greater focus.

Today’s corporate world versus the corporate world we experienced 10 years ago greatly differs.

We can do much of our business virtually, thanks to internet and mobile phones.  We no longer have to be in a specific building or location to conduct most business.

Allowing your employees the ability to work remote is seen a huge benefit today.  Working from home saves on gasoline costs, food costs, and can provide a healthier lifestyle.  Time and money spent commuting to work can be spent taking a walk or going to the gym.  It is also much easier to plan healthier meals at home rather than rushing over to the fast food drive-thru on an already rushed lunch break crammed with various other errands.

Trust

The one thing that your employees find most desirable is TRUST, which is the exact thing that is demonstrated by providing the previously mentioned benefits.

“But how will I know they are working if they aren’t in the office every day?”

You must first hire trustworthy employees.  In addition to this, you must have specific metrics and deliverables in place in order to evaluate their work.

This can be difficult for many managers to get past.  However, if your employees are reliable and and have given you no reason to distrust them, there is no reason not to trust them outside of the office.

Do you offer a flexible schedule or remote working situation for your employees?  What has been your experience with this?