What Have You Done for Me Lately?

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

6 Strategies to Build and Improve Employee Loyalty

Ginger Brunner, CHRP

According to a recently released study conducted by Ipsos Reid, 22% of Canadian employees reported a decreased sense of loyalty towards their employer. In addition, organizational responses to the economic downturn also have employees questioning their loyalty. Employees working within organizations that have reduced staffing levels and frozen salaries also reported that their loyalty has decreased by 36% and 31% respectively.

The study also suggests that in spite of the current economy, which may have some employees feeling expendable, business owners are going to have to work hard in order to build loyalty and retain employees particularly when the economic environment starts to improve. Interested in building employee loyalty, but not sure where to start? Here are a few methods to consider:

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate - Avoid unnecessary frustrations and potential issues by communicating with employees. Communicate information such as upcoming changes, achievements, strategic plans and future goals. Tell them what the company is doing, where it is going and how they contribute in their role.

Acknowledge Employee Contributions - Employees want to be recognized for their contributions. No matter what the involvement (ie. performing a task particularly well, volunteering to work additional hours or suggested a method for improvement) taking the time to recognize employees for a job well done will not only encourage continued contributions it will also increase employee loyalty by showing employees how much you value them.

Set Clear Expectations – Employees seek structure and want to know what is expected of them. The clearer the job responsibilities and performance expectations, the fewer the frustrations and the more likely employees are to meet (and perhaps exceed) the expectations.

Act On Employee Feedback – When employees feel that their manager/employer doesn’t care enough to take action based on their suggests and or concerns, the more likely they are to become disengaged and loyalty will start to decrease.

Be Consistent – When it comes to employee policies (ie. dress code, rewards & recognition, etc.), always ensure that they are applied consistently. Employees who perceive unfairness in the workplace will question their loyalty.

Build Relationships – Employees will leave tend to a manager more often than they will leave an organization. Get to know your team and work to build a culture in which employees feel valued both personally and professionally.

Although this is by no means an exhaustive list, applying these methods will go a long way towards building employee loyalty and retaining employees when the economy starts to turn around. Perhaps the next time an employee asks, “What have you done for me lately?” you could invite them for coffee and a positive conversation.

Remember: Employee loyalty is not something that is given freely; rather it is something that must be earned.

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