Work-life balance is a concept that many employers are beginning to take more seriously. Maintaining this balance is critical to attract and retain employees in an increasingly competitive marketplace, along with other added benefits and work-related perks.
A key component of work-life balance is flexibility. "Smart Work," which one company says is "an act of production performed independent of time and place" with workplaces that "provide a number of benefits to organizations, communities, individuals and economic clusters," is becoming the norm. Thanks to technology, employees can now work anytime, from almost anywhere. Those employees are also expecting more from their employers.
Below are five ways you can invest in a "smart" workplace and stand out to the industry's top talent:
Allow a more flexible work schedule. Many employers are offering "work from home" days. Sometimes tasks need to be done in the office, but by letting your employees work from home, it shows them that you trust them to get the job done. However, in order to be effective, you must equip them with the technology and tools needed to enable remote communication and function.
Encourage socialization and collaboration. Investing in the space in which your employees work is crucial. Workplaces can be designed to increase collaboration and socialization among your employees. No one wants to be chained to a desk all day. Shared spaces such as "neighborhoods," where employees have their distinct workplace within a larger group, are becoming more popular. They provide an opportunity to build a sense of community and share knowledge with colleagues.
Provide training constantly. Technology and job demands change over time. Staying apprised of the latest technology, and training your employees how to use it, allows them to discover new tools that will help them in their work and increase productivity. It also pays off to invest in developing your employees' skills and, in doing so, better prepare them and your credit union for the future.
Go green. Employees want to work for companies that are taking care of the environment. An investment in automatic lighting, for example, can go a long way toward reducing costs and preserving energy. Sustainable workplace initiatives are no longer a trend – they are the standard.
Implement a wellness program or incentive. Some employers are giving their employees wearable tech, like fitness trackers (e.g., Fitbit), to incentivize them to move more throughout the day. A "Fitbit Challenge" can create friendly competition and socialization among employees while improving their health – a win-win. One company even lowered its annual health insurance bill by leveraging Fitbit data from one of these challenges. Discounts to a local gym or sponsorship of group exercise activities are also helpful.
By implementing a "smart" work environment, you can ensure that you will attract the right talent to your credit union. You'll also keep your employees happy and engaged in their work, which ultimately results in higher productivity levels. Smart, right?
Kim Franklin is the Human Resources Manager at EPL, Inc.. She can be reached at 205-408-5300 or [email protected].
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