A company’s staff is its lifeblood. The two are intrinsically linked and can only be truly successful when working in harmony. That’s why, investing in employees is investing in the business. Those who fail to do so will fall behind.
For an organisation to be a success their workforce needs to feel engaged, challenged and valued. They need to understand the ethos and goals of the business and that they truly are a part of that. This is particularly crucial in the current climate, where some staff members might feel disconnected because of having to work remotely and in different ways to the norm. Many are worried about the future and their job security. Now, more than ever, they will want to know they are an appreciated part of the team. Loyalty works both ways and everyone involved wins when growth is synchronised.
Yet while it’s reported 70 percent of workers say they feel disengaged from their employers, many companies are concerned that investing too much in their team will lead to them seeking other opportunities. They weigh up the risk and reward and come down on the side of the argument that it’s not worth the expenditure.
The wrong way of thinking...
In fact, a lack of investment in helping employees grow and therefore feeling valued, is actually riskier. Those who feel disconnected or disengaged will look elsewhere. If they aren’t being given direction or routes of progression, they will see what other opportunities there are. Or worse still, they will stay and drift along - neither benefiting themselves, or the organisation.
The work environment is changing. Pew Research Center reports that as of 2016, Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) are the largest generation in the labour force. Broadly speaking, their generation value companies which grow and develop their skills far more than those that have come before them. The culture of a business must grow and adapt to what is happening around it.
Yet even if the fear is realised and a member of the team does leave - is it not better that the investment in them made them an asset while they were there? That when they depart, they speak of your business as an advocate, as opposed to a critic?
“Organisations that invest in a culture of personal and professional development, among other factors, can outperform their competition significantly.”
With statistics as striking as that, it seems to make little sense to view investment in staff as a risk. Smart businesses don’t shy away from investing in their team because they’re fearful they’ll leave. They embrace it and ensure they are already the perfect place for the best talent to work.
As Angela Ahrendts, former Senior Vice President at Apple, says:
"Everyone talks about building a relationship with your customer. I think you build one with your employees first."
By Tom Seymour, an online content writer for alterniq inspired growth.
<< Return to Insight page
