Intelligent CXO Issue 29 | Page 52

INTELLIGENT SECTION

FINANCE SALES & MARKETING HR SOLUTIONS EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT

How awareness of workplace trends helps retain happy employees

Charlotte Boffey , UK Head of Services for Employment Hero , explains below how keeping upto-date with workplace trends helps to create a happier workplace .

Let ’ s face it , so much of our day-to-day lives revolves around what ’ s happening on social media . Particularly when it comes to cultural themes and hot topics , which typically blossom from some sort of online trend .
Workplace culture is no exception . Especially with the financial challenges of 2023 , young employees are turning to social media , and TikTok in particular , as an outlet to express their needs when it comes to work .
You may be familiar with some ‘ trends ’ or buzzwords that originated on TikTok , such as ‘ quiet quitting ’ ( engaging in only the minimum requirements of your job ), ‘ rage applying ’ ( applying to multiple jobs because you ’ re unsatisfied with your current one ), or ‘ career cushioning ’ ( pursuing new job opportunities while staying with your current employer ).
These aren ’ t necessarily new concepts , but some of them are being labelled in a new way in the context of social media . People engage with content that ’ s relatable , so they turn to social platforms for stories , insight and advice about how to maintain a happy work life , or seek new jobs that will give them one .
Trends on apps like TikTok come and go very quickly , but awareness of significant themes can help business leaders understand what employees want from their employer . There is no need to sacrifice company values to suit every need of an unsatisfied employee , but by demonstrating awareness , business leaders and HR can show how they are able to provide the working life that many people are seeking .
Here are just some of the ways you can show that you are listening to your employees and adapting to their needs .
Champion learning and development opportunities
Demonstrating the value of professional development is an essential part of creating a high performing team . By providing learning opportunities for your team within their roles , you can show that you not only care about company growth , but also the individual growth of each employee .
Setting up practices like training , workshops , goal setting and celebrating milestones will keep your employees engaged .
Foster a healthy work / life balance – and lead by example
In addition to flexible working policies , encouraging a company culture with a healthy work / life balance is vital in retaining happy employees . It ’ s important to communicate to your employees , especially if you offer asynchronous working , that you do not expect them to be working long hours outside of those outlined in their contract .
Encourage constant communication and feedback
Happy employees are engaged employees , and engaged employees don ’ t often jump ship without warning . That said , even happy employees might have worries over job security . Scheduling regular meetings or 1:1s , providing coaching sessions , and asking your employees for feedback through engagement surveys are all essential .
It ’ s important for business leaders , HR professionals and people managers to be aware of what the younger working generation are saying and doing on social media and how this is informing workplace culture . x
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