Employee retention is a cornerstone of success and a healthy work culture. Cultivating enduring employees protects a company’s longevity and encourages future success

Growth, Learning and Passion Engage Employees

A 2018 Gallup study revealed that 85 percent of employees perform below their potential and do not feel engaged at work. Continuous development and growth are important to an organization, including personal development. Globally, this means that most employees function on autopilot, including at home

Many factors contribute to an employee’s lack of interest and contribution at work. They come to do their job and receive their pay, but what else? Employees don’t feel inspired or motivated by a lack of development or advancement opportunities. They may not receive recognition or fair benefits and wages. It is normal to become complacent over time when exposed to the same incentives and expectations – or lack thereof

Employee retention is a cornerstone of success and a healthy work culture. Cultivating enduring employees protects a company’s longevity and propels it toward future success. Without the support of the team, the entire company falls behind. The work culture suffers

The importance of the first step in employment: onboarding

The first impression an employee gets of an organization is crucial. According to an Aberdeen Group report, employees decide within their first year with a company whether they want to stay or leave. In addition, research from The Wynhurst Group shows that about 4 percent of employees quit on their first day of work. Not surprisingly, employee onboarding is being taken more and more seriously

Organizations can use onboarding to make new employees feel welcome and get them excited and inspired about their role and how it aligns with broader business goals. Onboarding helps new employees adjust to the new culture, learn their roles and responsibilities, and quickly become productive. This increased engagement should reduce employee turnover in the first year of employment

To be effective, however, an onboarding program must be sustainable, scalable, cost-effective and easy to implement. At ENBOQ, we know how important proper onboarding is to the success of both the employee and the organization. Our platform provides solutions that help new employees not only feel at home quickly, but also stay engaged and motivated, contributing to lower employee turnover and increased productivity

Growth, Learning and Passion Engage Employees

A 2018 Gallup study revealed that 85 percent of employees perform below their potential and do not feel engaged at work. Continuous development and growth are important to an organization, including personal development. Globally, this means that most employees function on autopilot, including at home

Many factors contribute to an employee’s lack of interest and contribution at work. They come to do their job and receive their pay, but what else? Employees don’t feel inspired or motivated by a lack of development or advancement opportunities. They may not receive recognition or fair benefits and wages. It is normal to become complacent over time when exposed to the same incentives and expectations – or lack thereof

Sustainable performance includes a human element, and the cornerstones are passion and learning. When you combine the two, you have the drive and know-how to make great progress and innovation. Leaders should strive to cultivate both within their work culture

Sustainable Employees Must Embrace the Big Picture

Employees must feel connected to the mission. Often the mission is a statement on the website and other company documents, but what does it mean to each employee

Do corporate strategies accurately reflect the overall mission? What are the company’s current and long-term goals? How do leaders show how employee efforts impact and achieve the mission

When teams share information and successes, it creates a culture of positivity and progress based on service and collaboration. Employees also know they matter on an individual level. It is easier for them to identify with each other and with the company in general

Companies communicate progress through statistics and data, but a more organic approach is necessary. Find the context. Make it relevant to all teams. Communicate meaning. Do this by holding regular meetings, taking anonymous surveys and giving employees more say

Push Back a Negative Work Culture

You might think that politics is a necessary part of corporate interaction and work culture. Review the course of your career and consider how much more productive and innovative your efforts would have been if you had encountered less negative work culture

Maybe the consequences of a negative work culture have been discussed and workshops held, but management continues to sweep the negativity under the rug. How often are employees expected to put up with it and do their jobs before they burn out or feel that their company does not care about them at all

Smother down a negative work culture. Expect the same level of professionalism, openness, positivity and transparency from all employees – from shop floor employees to management. Negativity is contagious because feelings fluctuate in patterns similar to epidemiological disease models. Even a small amount of negativity processed by the brain leads to a weakened immune system

It is better to pick your battles when faced with a negatively oriented person, but a company has a greater responsibility to its employees to create a positive environment. This leads to a sustainable work culture that directly affects staff. Policies and ground rules must be expressed and implemented so that employees maintain energy and enthusiasm focused on the mission

Leaders should not sit back – they should participate in active roles within the team as team members themselves. Building a more positive and sustainable work culture means openness and creating opportunities for professionals to get to know each other. It means nurturing their growth and development and giving them constructive and positive feedback

Most employees do not feel engaged in their work because they lack a sustainable work culture. The lack of this significantly affects employees’ work ethic, performance and potential. When a sustainable work culture is nurtured, employees rise to actively drive the company toward its mission with passion and innovation, promoting its longevity and success

Positive Work Culture

A positive work culture is essential for sustainability. When negative attitudes and behaviors prevail, it not only slows progress but also reduces overall employee satisfaction. Fostering a culture of transparency, trust and collaboration ensures that employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and working together

Employers can achieve this by facilitating frequent open conversations and fostering a supportive environment where employees feel safe to voice their concerns without fear of retaliation

Benefits of Sustainability in the Workplace

Sustainability in the workplace offers many benefits. First, it improves the engagement of employees by making them feel heard and valued. This in turn leads to higher productivity and lower employee turnover

Conclusion

A sustainable workplace encompasses a broader approach to taking care of your people, culture and company values. By engaging employees, creating a positive culture and promoting sustainability initiatives, an organization can not only improve its performance, but also contribute to a more sustainable future

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is sustainability important to employees?

Sustainability plays a crucial role in employee well-being and satisfaction. Sustainable activities not only improve the environment, but also provide better working conditions such as a healthy work environment, fair pay and inclusiveness. Employees feel more valued and engaged with an organization that is committed to social and sustainability initiatives

What are the benefits of creating sustainable workplaces?

Implementing sustainable workplaces provides several benefits:

• Cost savings: Reducing energy and material costs.
• Higher productivity: Healthy and happy employees perform better.
• Better brand reputation: Attract environmentally conscious customers and partners.
• Employee loyalty: Reducing turnover through an engaging work culture.

What is the relationship between sustainable employee behavior and corporate sustainability?

When employees themselves act sustainably, they contribute directly to the company’s broader sustainability goals. This lowers the organization’s carbon footprint and increases overall efficiency. In addition, it creates a culture of responsibility and commitment, which is essential for long-term success

In what ways can companies meet employee demands to become more sustainable?

Companies can take several steps to meet employee sustainability demands:

• Feedback systems: Implement systems for employees to offer suggestions.
• Flexible working hours: Encourage working from home or hybrid working models to reduce carbon emissions.
• Collaborative partnerships: Work with sustainable suppliers and partners.
• Transparency: Communicate clearly about the company’s goals and progress.