It's rather easy for a company to talk about the importance of its employees. In fact, scan through any website, and it's bound to come up. But, are you really putting your people first? We all mean well and have good intentions, but what does a "people first" strategy actually look like in practice?
We've put together a list of some of the most common traits of truly employee-focused organizations. We hope you can take some inspiration from these companies, and incorporate their best practices into your own management strategy.
Emphasis on employee well-being: Prioritizing their employees' health and well-being through providing resources and support for physical and mental health.
Open communication: Valuing open communication and encouraging employees to give feedback, thereby creating a culture of transparency and trust.
Flexibility: Offering flexible work arrangements, recognizing the importance of work-life balance and accommodating their employees' needs.
Empowerment: Providing opportunities for employees to learn and grow, thus encouraging personal and professional development and empowering them to make decisions.
Diversity and inclusion: Valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates employees' differences.
Fairness: Treating their employees fairly and equitably by providing equal opportunities for advancement and compensation.
Collaborative culture: Fostering a collaborative culture through encouraging teamwork and cooperation to achieve shared goals.
Social responsibility: Committing to social responsibility as demonstrated by supporting causes that align with their values and making a positive impact in their communities.
Is my manufacturing plant a 'people first' organization?
Assessing whether a manufacturing company puts people first can be a challenging task. However, there are a few key indicators that can help you determine whether it truly values its employees. These include:
Employee Retention Rates
One of the most important indicators of whether a manufacturing company puts people first is employee retention rates. Companies that prioritize employee well-being and satisfaction tend to have lower turnover rates than those that do not. According to a study by Gallup, companies with high employee engagement and satisfaction have 43% less turnover than their competitors.
Training and Development Opportunities
Manufacturing companies that prioritize employee development often invest in training and professional development opportunities.
Employee Feedback and Engagement
Organizations that value their employees are often committed to listening to their feedback and promoting engagement. A study by Deloitte found that companies with a strong feedback culture have at least 14% lower turnover rates than those without.
Diversity and Inclusion
Prioritizing diversity and inclusion often leads to better employee retention rates, engagement levels and innovation outcomes. Companies that are committed to diversity and inclusion create an environment in which employees feel safe to bring their whole selves to work.
By focusing in employee well-being and satisfaction, manufacturing companies can increase productivity and invention. While companies are still experimenting with the best ways to do this, the above practices have been shown to have a positive impact on both employee retention and overall company success.