Research shows that up to 75% of employees have felt socially isolated at work since COVID. Meanwhile, millions of workers feel undervalued, which has created a pandemic of its own. Putting this right should now be a priority for business owners at companies large and small.
After all, the benefits of cultivating a culture of value and inclusion are clear. Productivity levels will increase, client interactions will improve, and staff turnover will fall. Ultimately, then, this will lead to increased profits and sustainable success. Here’s how the best employers are regaining control of the situation.
Supporting Employees On A Human Level
Feeling valued and respected as an employee will instantly build a sense of inclusion. One of the most effective ways is to extend the duty of care outside of the workplace. Going the extra mile to appreciate employees on a human level will yield instant improvements and lasting results.
Modern tech now enables businesses to embrace hybrid working. Allowing employees to stay home when feeling under the weather or they can’t get childcare shows empathy. Meanwhile, companies can support them when undesirable situations surface. Hiring a car accident lawyer for them is a great example. Aside from assisting them through a stressful and confusing time, removing the money worries helps them focus on recovery. In turn, they can get back to work sooner, which aids the company.
Crucially, taking the right action in those difficult moments makes employees feel like a key part of the team. Building a stronger relationship in this way also provides an extra source of motivation to work hard. Essentially, they will want to repay their employer for their ongoing support. It should reduce the risk of staff turnover too.
Build Truly Inclusive Environments
To achieve true success, businesses must not only focus on making individuals feel valued and socially included. They must also focus on the team dynamic and ensuring that the entire workforce is valued and shows value to each other. It starts with additional steps on a human level, such as celebrating cultural diversity within the company.
Having a space for prayers, for example, will make the workplace feel more inclusive.
However, it’s not only about the employer-employee bond. The most effective teams are united, which is why businesses should focus on team building activities. From away days to office-based endeavors, strengthening the position of the team as a whole makes a huge impact. It also ensures that individuals have the confidence to discuss issues with their colleagues or superiors.
The use of diversity training and the use of inclusive language is another vital step that will change employee mindsets. Crucially, businesses should make employees feel valued and included by giving them a voice. Creating systems that allow them to provide feedback will aid the cause, but only if the company takes the advice on board.
Give Employees Added Responsibilities
Most employers now appreciate the benefits of a strong recruitment drive. And it should be followed by effective onboarding. It is a winning combination that builds a strong team of employees that can be productive with instant results. To unlock their true potential, though, employers must give them added responsibilities.
Having employed specialists in their fields, restricting employee creativity is one of the worst mistakes a firm can make. Ultimately, most workers have a better understanding of how to deliver the best results in their specific role. Likewise, their passion means they’ll be aware of the latest developments. This knowledge, combined with a commitment to company-wide innovation, is a catalyst for growth. Better still, it keeps employees engaged and included in the company’s development.
Business owners and senior team leaders must ensure that employees work within the context of the business. To achieve long-term success, companies can also place an added focus on internal promotions. By showing that they have a future at the company, employers help employees feel included and valued for the long haul.
Invest In Communication
Feeling isolated is often linked to loneliness. As well as ensuring that employees get along with their colleagues, firms must encourage communication. This is especially true when employees are working remotely or teams are spread out over multiple locations. Technology is the greatest asset at a company’s disposal.
From team messaging apps to VoIP, there are many ways for teams to communicate. It also opens the door to video conferencing sessions that involve lots of people. This should be combined with psychological safety so that all workers feel capable of making suggestions. Client communication is another area where tech can create smooth connections and interactions. In turn, this helps fight off feelings of loneliness or being left on the peripherals.
Good communication is the key to effective collaborations. Moreover, it is the most telling way to make individuals feel wanted or included. Whether it’s face-to-face interactions or tech-based connections doesn’t matter. When companies consciously invest in communication, employee engagement, and value improves.
Attend To Issues
All of the above ideas focus on preventing feelings of isolation or being underappreciated. However, as the stat at the top of this post highlights, it’s an issue that already affects many firms. So, while putting the precautions in place to stop future episodes is vital, the current problems must not be ignored.
Actively asking employees how they feel is a great starting point, which can be achieved through surveys. One-to-one meetings are another great tool. Meanwhile, a proactive approach can include training employees in mental health first aid. Many people that feel isolated will not mention it. So, knowing how to spot the signs of loneliness, as well as issues like anxiety, is key. Identification is one thing, but companies must also put protocols in place. Whether it means altering their place in the office or scheduling weekly catch-up sessions, a show of care matters.
If one employee feels socially isolated, it’s likely that many others do too. Moreover, businesses should stamp out animosity or workplace bullying. By cultivating a better working environment, it can restore productivity to its full potential. Likewise, it will build a strong platform to build upon in relation to preventing future problems.
