Key changes companies should make in 2022
Josh Bersin, the founder of an HR research firm, says that “you have to run your company as if every employee has one foot out the door.” And he is right because employees today demand fast, positive change from their employers.
Let the data talk:
- 8 out of 10 employees feel ‘more empowered’ to hold leaders accountable for workplace changes in 2022.
- And 56% of workers said they will only wait 30 to 60 days for employers to make needed changes before they consider leaving. (Human Workplace Index)
So what can companies do?
Well, every company is different and has its unique challenges. But one thing is for sure: now is not the time to let up on the gas (despite today’s prices, har har).
A universal principle is companies must deeply understand what their employees want and then take action to deliver. By collecting employee feedback, companies will unlock a treasure trove of opportunities to improve retention, productivity, and workplace happiness.
How can they take it a step further? Companies must double down on improving the employee experience end-to-end. To start, that means:
- purging any signs of toxic culture (one way is to create a set of strong company values and reward the right behavior)
- hiring the right people for the right roles
- giving employees a meaningful mission and purpose to work toward
- training managers to listen and support employees (versus telling)
- creating and communicating legitimate career paths (only 11% of companies offer formal career pathing programs).
The MIT study also revealed four short-term strategies companies can use to increase retention.
- Identifying lateral career opportunities
- Offering remote work arrangements
- Hosting company-sponsored social events
- Offering predictable schedules
