Employee satisfaction has always been an essential part of a business, impacting engagement and retention. In fact, it’s been found that low job satisfaction is a primary cause of resignation for 26% of employees.
To prevent high staff turnover, skills gap and poor engagement from happening in your workplace, we’ve gathered the key drivers of employee satisfaction for a happier and more productive workforce.
A motivated workforce can lead to increased morale, better performance and career progression across your business. Here are the key drivers that can make this happen.
1. Working Environment
A recent survey found 34% of respondents would rather be unemployed than unhappy in their job. Retention is essential for the overall stability of your company and you’ll be able to maintain levels by providing a positive and flexible working environment. A supportive working environment also offers room for role development by providing flexibility in upskilling activities.
Offering a hybrid work environment goes a long way in employee satisfaction. In May 2022, a government report found that three-quarters of hybrid workers said their work-life balance had improved with hybrid working, so it’s something you should consider.
2. Training Opportunities
Learning and development (L&D) is integral for the progression, satisfaction and overall productivity of your employees. Providing opportunities for your employees to upskill at work can improve job performance and achieve business targets. And according to our SME viewpoint blog, we aren’t the only ones who think this.
Training is a significant aspect of maintaining satisfaction and retention, as it shows the company is invested in the growth of its employees. Effective L&D allows your company to hit growth targets, narrow the skills gap and improve staff retention rates and the employee experience.
3. Strong Leadership
Your company is only as good as the people leading it. Without a strong leader, employees may feel like they aren’t being pushed or encouraged enough. Strong management effectively directs how your company is running ー leading it to success.
Strong leadership is also beneficial for your company's L&D strategy, as it’s reported that 56% of employees would take a manager-suggested course. Managers should take a hands-on approach when training their employees, as this shows investment in their development and is essential for the future of your company
4. Challenging Work
Coming home, you want to feel like you’ve had a productive day 一 and it’s the same for your employees. An FE survey found that 60% of respondents felt their skills are underutilised at least half the time.
Tapping into the talents of your employees through L&D training can bring multiple benefits to your business, such as enhanced work output, higher engagement, better feedback from customers or clients and even increased profits.
5. Employee Benefits
Employees want to see what benefits you can offer as their employer. Employee benefits in the UK can include life assurance, income protection, private medical and dental insurance. Anything that shows you’re going above and beyond is a great starting point.
These benefits can encourage employees to stay with you, even if another opportunity arises. Upskilling your employees is also a key way to display what your business has to offer, as it helps to boost their skills while on the job. Providing valuable employee benefits can increase company loyalty, employee progression and retention for your business.
6. Trust
Employee trust is a benefit that must be earned. A lack of trust can lead to reduced employee retention and a damaged reputation for your business’s future recruitment efforts. According to a recent survey, 22% of employees didn’t trust their company enough to refer potential candidates.
Trust in your employees is also just as important for success. It was estimated that 24% of respondents left their company because they didn’t feel trusted. Having a strong culture and environment in place that the employee will feel comfortable in can lead to increased trust in your company.
7. Community and Culture
The culture and ethos of a company are crucial. Without a strong workplace culture to feel at home in, employees can feel underappreciated in their roles. IBM found that 80% of employees feel more engaged with their work when it aligns with the company values.
By promoting strong company culture, internal L&D and enrichment activities, you’re more likely to see increased motivation, engagement and satisfaction for your business.
8. Constructive Feedback
Feedback is an integral part of any job, helping improve performance and confidence. In fact, a LinkedIn survey shows more than 75% of respondents see feedback as valuable. By providing constructive feedback, you can help employees understand what they’re doing well and what they can do to improve.
Initiatives off the back of feedback can be beneficial too. Providing L&D training opportunities can nurture your employee’s skills, incentivising them to improve any areas they need to work on. Encouraging this development through upskilling can lead to higher satisfaction and improved work output for your business.
9. Opportunities for Career Development
Employees will feel more valued in your company if they know there’s ample opportunity for progression. Providing your employees with regular feedback can encourage engagement in the business' long-term vision. LinkedIn Learning estimated that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if there were an investment in their development. If you invest in your employees, they’ll invest in your business.
Creating a progression plan is the best way to ensure internal career development is followed. Encouraging career development with clear objectives can increase employee productivity and fulfilment.
To make a successful role transition, employees’ should receive thorough training to ensure they’re ready to take the next step in their career. Providing L&D and upskilling opportunities can increase confidence and capability to take on new responsibilities.
Lead Your Business to Success With a Happy Workforce
Providing comprehensive training throughout your employees’ journey can lead to a happy and skilled workforce. In turn, this can facilitate a more productive and profitable business.
Providing this training is easier said than done in fast-paced, busy environments with budgets to consider. Our report offers solutions to help you implement practical L&D training in your business for increased satisfaction, engagement and retention. Access the full report below to lead your employees to success.
