Making Your Employees Feel More Valued

Employees don’t leave when they feel satisfied. And they feel satisfied when they feel valued. Here’s a short-list of ideas.

Appreciation. Show it with please and thank you. Compliment work on a project or success in handling a difficult client. Positive, praising language shows appreciation, establishes a stronger connection, and build commitment. And it’s free!

Bonuses/Benefits. Using the same dollars, make bonuses more frequent. Try spot bonuses for a job well done. Think about gift cards, extra PTO, a fitness center membership, or more flexible hours.

Communication. Keep them in the loop. Your transparency will nurture their trust and sense that they are an important part of the practice. (Keeping secrets does the opposite.) Ask what they see as good and bad, and how it can be improved.

Development. Discover their career goals. Determine the steps needed to get them there. Make the investments to help them progress on that path. Paid training and tuition reimbursement rank high when it comes to employee satisfaction.

Eating together. Have office meals either on a regular basis or as a surprise token of appreciation. Meals foster a sense of belonging and build supportive relationships. They are a great way to celebrate. Free food is a great way to show employees they are valued.

Feedback. Younger staff are eager for feedback that they are on the right path. Giving plenty of positive feedback also makes employees receptive to constructive advice because they know their work is valued and not just criticized. More frequent performance reviews—quarterly instead of annually, for example—reinforce the sense of value that your employees feel.