Partner Article

Good Employer or a Great Employer ?

Are you a good or a great employer?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that there is no real difference between a good employer and a great employer. After all, surely it’s enough for your employees to think you’re good? What difference would it make if you were great?

In terms of your business it could make a huge difference. There are thousands of good employers out there - but it is great employers that really stand out and attract, develop and retain talented and engaged individuals, who ultimately make your business a success.

But what makes a great employer? Well, it’s got a lot to do with the engagement, commitment, motivation and job satisfaction of employees – it’s about building a working environment in which employees are engaged and committed to business success.

There are a number of factors that should be built into your business ethos, particularly within your HR strategies in order to stand out as a truly great employer - you need to prove that your people are important to your business.

1.Commitment to developing and growing talent

Given the recent economic climate, it is unsurprising that employees are keen to remain marketable. Great employers provide advancement and learning opportunities, enabling their staff to develop both personally and professionally.

2.Creating a positive, supportive culture

The best employers ensure that their organisation has a unique culture that celebrates high performance, reinforces the company values, and inspires the workforce to achieve. Your employees should feel valued and supported by the organisation and should feel that they are part of a team (or even better, a family!).

A lively and thriving working environment that fits around the needs of your employees, as well as your business, will boost productivity and performance – this might mean introducing flexible working hours, reward schemes or focus groups.

3.Engaging with employees

Engagement is the key to becoming a great employer. It is important that your employees feel recognised and valued, that they feel loyal to the company, and that they truly believe in the values of the company. Successful engagement will not only help your employees feel appreciated, but will also allow you to gain an insight into what motivates and drives them. Something else worth noting is that engaged employees are proven to perform better and be more motivated, to be more profitable, and to serve as brand ambassadors.

4.Aligned HR strategy

To ensure that you are a great employer, your HR strategy should reflect your overall business strategy and should be implemented effectively. Successful HR programmes and practices are invaluable to your business, allowing you to drive employee engagement and, ultimately, long term business success.

The importance of the effective management of your organisation’s talent and the development of a strong, engaging culture should not be underestimated. These factors are crucial to your business success and also distinguish the good employers from the great employers. To be a great employer will not only help your company to succeed in the short term, but also to survive in the long term.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Oculus HR .