PEEK-A-BOO! HOW ARE YOU?

With the world changing to remote work, more companies are looking for methods to retain employees. Disengaged employees are some of the first to be looking for the door, and withdrawal is prevalent in the isolated experience of working remotely.

The employee quit rate has shot up to 50% more than before covid, and job seekers are finding nearly 50% more openings than before covid.* This is making job retention a huge challenge, and HR teams are scrambling for more ways to cope with an employee-driven marketplace.
 
Covid has changed things; working from home has become the norm. For employers losing team members, there is a question of how to keep team members engaged during the isolation and loneliness of working from home. Managers who were previously able to pop in and check on employee morale are at a loss. How can an employer keep the team on point when they are not at work to engage with?
 
Here are some suggestions of what can be done to retain your strong assets – team members working remotely:

1. Make sure the team is set up to work at home. Optimally they need an office space where they can close the door. Are they supplied with a desk and an ergonomic chair? Little irritations can proliferate, and checking physical well-being is a way to show you care.
2. Does your team have the communication tech resources they need? Are they feeling comfortable using those resources? Struggling with isolation, a major problem of working remotely must be prioritized. Is the team set up with video conferencing, teams, and co-workers’ contact information? Collaborative discussions and interaction should be encouraged.
3. Show you care. Show up to show that you care! A little personal time interacting one-on-one with team members goes a long way to building rapport. A short call with personal interaction or dropping in with Google Meet for a friendly question, rather than firing off another email, can make a difference.
4. Offer perks: Health care benefits are desirable. Massage or restaurant coupons as a thank you speaks volumes. Sending a handwritten card or a snack gift basket can be a timely pick-me-up acknowledging team contributions.
5. Assist with stress reduction with a gym membership or a streaming service (Netflix or Amazon Prime). Finding ways to appreciate the team with thoughtful gestures helps keep people on side.
6. Organize team-building activities for a time to laugh and bond. It is a reminder that although separated, together you are a caring team.
7. Investing in team members with words of affirmation gives isolated workers a needed positive outlook. Design projects involving personal challenges and responding with appreciation help to grow self-esteem. Providing a space for new solutions and taking time to listen to ideas boosts personal confidence, cements relationships, and retains employees.

Everyone needs to be appreciated and have their needs considered. As William James said, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” In these days of isolation and mental health issues, timely contact with others can be impactful. Just one person reaching out can make a difference.

A principle in retaining people is filling the deep need for appreciation.

Here at Inline Reference Check, we know HR Managers are stretched more than ever with keeping up with the mandates, assisting remote workers, and replacing team members. We would love to assist you with the reference checking, saving you up to six hours per candidate and helping with your peace of mind as you choose the strongest candidates. You are doing a hard job with fewer resources – maybe we could at least buy you some more time.

​* https://bit.ly/3zPWsY0

Susan Brooks
Business Development Manager
Inline Reference Check