In today’s job market, keeping good employees is a challenge for Northern Arizona businesses. When workers leave, it disrupts work and increases costs, especially in our close-knit community where finding replacements takes time. While many local companies focus on attracting new talent, they often overlook what truly keeps employees: their daily workplace experience.
Without a positive workplace culture, clear growth opportunities, and genuine support, employees are more likely to feel disengaged and seek opportunities elsewhere. Let us explore practical strategies to enhance the employee experience and create a workplace that attracts top talent and keeps them engaged and committed for the long term.
Why Employee Experience Matters
Employee experience shapes how your team feels about their work environment, culture, and daily interactions. When employees feel connected to their roles and your business, they’re more invested in its success.
A supportive workplace leads to stronger employee commitment and reduced turnover, saving both time and resources in our job market. According to Gallup, companies with highly engaged employees are 21 percent more productive than those with lower engagement.1 This shows that when employees have a good experience, it helps the company do better.
Benefits of a Great Employee Experience:
- Increased Loyalty: Employees who feel appreciated are more committed to your company.
- Better Morale: A positive work environment boosts happiness and performance.
- Strong Culture: A supportive culture enhances teamwork and innovation.
- Lower Turnover: Keeping employees longer reduces hiring costs.
- Enhanced Reputation: A good workplace attracts top talent and stands out in the market.
Focusing on employee experience is not just a passing trend. It is a smart way to keep good workers and help your organization succeed in the long run.
Strategies for Improving Employee Experience
Here are some tips to improve that experience and inspire loyalty in your employees.
1. Create a Positive Company Culture
A positive company culture forms the foundation of great employee experience, especially in a close-knit community. It means creating an environment where your team feels valued and motivated to contribute their best. Consider starting a monthly team showcase where employees can share their ideas for improving customer service or streamlining daily operations.
This approach leads to practical improvements and helps your team feel truly heard and appreciated. When employees see their suggestions making a difference in their workplace, they develop a stronger connection to your business and their colleagues.
2. Foster Open Communication and Feedback
Open communication is essential for building trust and understanding between you and your employees. When you create channels for honest dialogue, you gain valuable insights into your employee’s needs, challenges, and ideas.
This information allows you to address issues promptly, improve processes, and make informed decisions that benefit both your employees and the company. Regular feedback opportunities, such as team meetings or one-on-ones, help employees feel valued and connected to the company’s goals. An anonymous suggestion system can encourage more candid input, especially on sensitive topics.
The key is to act on the feedback you receive. When employees see their input leading to positive changes, it reinforces their importance to the company. For example, if several team members suggest flexible working hours, consider testing this idea. This responsiveness demonstrates that you value your employees’ perspectives, which can boost morale and job satisfaction.
3. Offer Professional Development Opportunities
Career growth opportunities in a smaller market require creative thinking. Partner with NAU or Cocoino Community College for continuing education programs, or create mentorship connections within our business community. Consider cross-training opportunities that help employees develop versatile skills valuable to our local economy.
Success often means growing together with your team, whether through industry certifications, leadership training, or specialized skills development that meets our area’s unique business needs.
Remember, career development is not just about technical skills. Soft skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving are equally important. Offer training in these areas to create well-rounded employees capable of taking on greater responsibilities.
4. Ensure Work-life Balance
Living in Northern Arizona means embracing a lifestyle that balances work with outdoor adventure and community. Consider flexible scheduling that lets your team enjoy morning hikes or afternoon skiing when conditions are perfect. Promote a culture that respects time off – whether it is for enjoying our trails, participating in local festivals, or simply spending time with family.
5. Support Employee Wellness and Mental Health
Take advantage of our natural surroundings to support employee wellness. Consider partnering with local fitness centers or organizing group activities like trail walks during lunch breaks.
Beyond physical health, support mental wellbeing through flexible scheduling around seasonal changes and access to local counseling resources. The mountain town pace of life encourages a holistic approach to wellness that benefits both employees and your business.
6. Source Locally for Better Fit
When it comes to finding the right employees, looking close to home can yield significant benefits. Local talents often have a better understanding of the community and its values, which can translate into a stronger cultural fit within your organization.
Working with local staffing agencies can be particularly advantageous in this regard. These firms have a deeper understanding of the local job market and can provide valuable insights into workforce trends specific to your area. This means they can source candidates who are not only skilled but also more likely to fit seamlessly into your company culture.
Candidates from your area often have a deep understanding of the community, its values, and unique challenges. This familiarity can lead to a smoother transition into your workplace and better alignment with your company culture. Local hires typically have stronger ties to the community, which can translate to longer-term commitments and reduced turnover.
Performance Staffing can help you boost retention with expert hiring
At Performance Staffing, we know Flagstaff’s workforce. After 30 years here, we understand what makes local businesses tick. We help you find people who not only have the right skills but also fit your workplace culture:
- We match candidates who share your values and understand our community
- We guide new hires through a smooth transition into your team
- We prepare candidates to hit the ground running with role-specific training
- We personally introduce candidates to your workplace culture and expectations
For example, when looking for administrative support, we find people who understand both the role and the local business environment. They start contributing from day one because they already know what it takes to succeed here in Flagstaff.
Let us discuss building your team. We will help you find people who will grow with your business and contribute to our community. Schedule a meeting now!
Reference
1. The Benefits of Employee Engagement. (2023, January 7). Gallup, https://www.gallup.com/workplace/236927/employee-engagement-drives-growth.aspx
