5 Ways To Make Your Company a Top Workplace
It’s one thing to run a business, but it’s quite another to create an environment where workers love coming in every day. Employees are an essential part of every business and are what keep organizations progressing, growing, and contributing to a greater good. Engaged employees can foster new relationships, support stronger recruitment and retention efforts, and provide individuals with a meaningful sense of achievement and satisfaction.
As a proud recipient of NJBiz’s “Best Place to Work in New Jersey” for multiple consecutive years," we’re sharing five tips on creating a top workplace, based on what we’ve learned from our workers and what we know they appreciate.
Make your Benefits More Beneficial to Employees
Health and well-being remain top of mind for employees. Offering benefits that recognize employees' needs is a simple way to attract and retain talent. Some of the most important benefits companies can offer include a variety of well-rounded healthcare programs for employees to choose from, as well as flexible spending accounts to pay for medical costs. Financial planning is also tremendously important to employees. Offering retirement benefits and financial wellness training can help reduce employee stress to make the most of every dollar they earn.
Additionally, there has been a shift in the way employers view the hours spent working, so it’s important for companies to provide sufficient paid vacation days and personal days. Encouraging employees to take a break to spend time traveling with friends and family can help eliminate feelings of burnout. Offering this, as well as paid time off for maternity or adoption leave, can be beneficial for workers managing evolving workplace models.
Promote and Encourage Diversity Across the Organization
It’s important for organizations to have a diverse workforce with a range of ages, genders, races, and sexual orientations represented to create an inclusive environment. When seeking new talent, businesses should implement formal programs or practices to recruit individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to ensure a wide range of perspectives.
Organizations should also offer ongoing diversity training, frequent seminars, and workshops that incorporate activities centered around diversity and inclusion topics. At Sharp, we offer resources focused on diversity and have programs like WISE, “Women Influencing Sharp’s Evolution,” which provides professional development opportunities for female employees, fostering an inclusive culture and celebrating women’s accomplishments.
Get your Employees Away from their Desks with Extracurricular Programs
Businesses that go above and beyond basic benefits show employees they are valued and cared for on a personal level. Work can be busy, stressful, and demanding at times, so programs that encourage employees to give back to the community while connecting socially can help them recharge and spend meaningful time away from their desks.
At Sharp, we offer several programs designed to support this goal, such as “SCOPE,” our community outreach initiative that provides volunteer opportunities and participation in charitable events focused on children and families. "Good Vibes" is another program designed to provide fun, engaging, and stress-relieving activities for employees. Programs that encourage group fitness challenges, meditation classes, book clubs, and similar activities can help reduce stress and strengthen workplace connections.
Incentivize your Workforce with Bonuses and Other Similar Perks
Few things demonstrate appreciation for employees’ hard work like meaningful recognition. Offering quarterly or annual performance bonuses, as well as referral incentives for bringing in new employees or clients, reinforces that contributions are valued and recognized. While incentives may depend on the financial state of a company, when possible, they can boost morale, encourage productivity, and provide employees with a strong sense of accomplishment.
Organizations can also introduce employee recognition programs. At Sharp, we partner with Give a Wow, a platform that allows colleagues to recognize one another through shout-outs and reward points redeemable for retail items. Appreciation from peers helps build a strong sense of community and motivates employees to continue doing their best work.
Invest in your Employees’ Career Development
A productive business depends on dynamic employees with diverse skill sets that contribute to organizational growth. One way companies can support this is by providing access to professional development opportunities. Regular training programs help employees strengthen skills and stay current with evolving industry practices.
With ongoing technology advancements and industry innovations, these sessions help employees refine their skills for overall success. Organizations can also offer reimbursement or assistance for undergraduate or postgraduate programs, certifications, or business education workshops that help employees achieve their professional goals. Additional practices such as one-on-one coaching, mentorship programs, and job shadowing provide valuable opportunities for employees to connect and learn from others in their industry.
Workplace shifts have highlighted the importance of employee satisfaction and support. Businesses should continually evolve and identify ways to create an environment where employees feel appreciated, supported, and motivated to do their best.
Looking for a great place to work? Check out career opportunities on Sharp's career page.