Treat Employees Well
Comedian (of all things) Fred Allen said: “Treat employees like partners, and they act like partners. ” Boy, was he right and that is the subject of today’s post.
How do you treat your customer service representatives? Think about it for a moment or two and once you have thought about it, jot down some keywords and phrases. You can write them down (better) or just think about them. Include about 7-10 things.
Got that done? Great! Now click here. It is a link to a little table with some words. There are six general categories. If you listed a word or phrase I included specifically, take 2 points off. If a word or phrase you included fits in one of the categories, take 1 point off.
Once you have calculated your points, look at this image. It has a few other keywords. Give yourself 2 points for words or phrases you had that I included specifically, and 1 point for general category matches. What was your score?
This test isn’t scientific, but I hope it provides you with an idea of what treating employees well is.
The first group of terms are what I call “HR benefits.” They are very objective and while I am sure employees appreciate them (and want them), it doesn’t set you too far apart and is extremely easy to copy.
The second group consists of more touchy feely terms. They are far more subjective, generally hard to get right, and they end up making a big difference for employees both long term and short term. As a result of the first two characteristics, they are harder to copy.
So the question is: does your company use compensation packages to attract and keep employees or does it promote a supporting, fun, and intelligent work culture?
Personally, I believe it is a better work culture that keeps good employees at your company. Someone who is motivated by money will leave your company as soon as he or she can get more money somewhere else.
Building a strong company culture focused around treating employees well is crucial to success.
More about that on Tuesday. On Monday, there will be a short post. Happy New Year’s!
Terry Starbucker said:
Dec 30, 06 at 1:43 pmI couldn’t agree with you more on this one! Love the Allen quote, and your last statement about building a strong company culture. Keep spreadin’ the news! Happy New Year and all the best.
Treat Employees Like Customers | The Workforce Expert said:
Jan 04, 09 at 1:36 am[…] So the question is: does your company use compensation packages to attract and keep employees or does it promote a supporting, fun, and intelligent work culture? Personally, I believe it is a better work culture that keeps good employees at your company. Someone who is motivated by money will leave your company as soon as he or she can get more money somewhere else. [Service Untitled, read more] […]