It may be the “most romantic day of the year”, but love is clearly not all around us: it’s actually a bit one-sided.
A survey by employee health and engagement company Virgin Pulse has revealed 74% of respondents either ‘love’ their company because it’s a great place to work or felt ‘pretty good’ with no major complaints. But it appears employers have lost that loving feeling with only 25% of employees stating they felt their company loved them back.
Forty-one per cent said they only get occasional recognition, 29% said their employers only pass a compliment along every now and then and five per cent felt their employer didn’t even know they existed or felt so undervalued that they want out.
“Employees like the companies they work for, but there’s room for improvement on the employer-side of the relationship. Showing employees you care can yield big benefits when it comes to employee engagement and loyalty,” said Chris Boyce, CEO of Virgin Pulse.
But firstly what are employers doing that is garnering them the love of their workforce? Turns out it’s not the free coffee or treats – it’s the work. Thirty-three per cent of respondents said doing interesting/challenging work keeps them engaged and loving their job and for 22% it is because they feel passionate about what the company stands for and its mission. Co-workers also got a mention with 12% indicating they were the main reason they love their company.
So how can companies show their love? Supporting a work/life balance and overall quality of life is the best way according to the findings and while 32% said that compensation wouldn’t make them love their job any more, it’s one of the most important ways employers can show employees they care.
As for other perks forget about weekly massages and nap rooms, more than half of respondents ranked flexible work arrangements as the most important perk, followed by programs and resources to help improve their physical health and well-being including onsite gyms, fitness classes, health club reimbursements and healthier cafeteria options.
Boyce said there are plenty of ways employers can show they care.
“The key is to create a culture where employees feel appreciated and supported across all aspects of their lives, while simultaneously making them feel they’re a part of something exciting and challenging,” he explained. “Creating a ‘we’re all in this together’ mentality and walking the talk motivates employees and helps to create a more energized, focused and driven workforce.”
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