Workscape Institute

OK, the economy is struggling, Wall Street looks like a ride at Disney World and employees are nervous.  It’s time to show your people some low-cost TLC. 

Follow up:

As more and more companies batten down the hatches there is a greater and greater need to run our businesses well, and that means keeping our best and brightest in our organizations.  While many companies are already pulling back on grand hiring plans there will still be movement in the workforce, and your high-potential “leader of tomorrow” just might decide that he or she has a better future somewhere else.  Imagine trying to replace your most vital employee on a revenue generating project, or the one that is the favorite of your largest customer. 

Like sitting by a fire with a cup of hot chocolate while a snowstorm is raging outside the window, a little extra attention during tough economic times can make your office building seem like a very comfortable safe haven where employees want to hunker down and stay a while.  So why not do something right now:

• Take a valued direct report, or even an indirect report, out to lunch as a thank you for good work
• Talk to that high potential employee about what the next steps are in his or her career
• Pass along the CEO’s football or basketball tickets to an upcoming game
• Recognize great work – or an innovative idea - with a signed, glossy certificate
• Call a surprise meeting and when everyone gets there hand out ice cream and let them know you appreciate their hard work

None of these things are expensive or difficult, but when that employee goes home that night, what do you think will be the first thing he or she is going to talk about at dinner?  OK.  Get out of your chair and walk down the hall and tell someone you’re glad you get to work with them… it can’t hurt!