Employee Loyalty
Remember the M&M commercial where Santa and an M&M each declare that the other exists? They’re both astonished at the possibility. Even if it surprises you, I’m here to report that loyal employees do exist.
Loyal employees have several desirable traits; they are:
Trustworthy
Committed
Performance-oriented
Responsible
Engaged
Furthermore, they show up on time, complete their tasks, and actively participate in company culture.
Loyalty Begets Loyalty
Just as success begets success, loyalty begets loyalty. The thing is that developing loyalty among employees takes time, and it is built on trust.
If you ask someone what makes them happy in their job, they will likely mention salary, benefits, working conditions, and atmosphere. That last one, atmosphere, has to do with company culture.
So, if you pay your employees well, offer comparable benefits, and provide what is needed to get the job done, the only other thing typical employees desire is the emotional component of workforce loyalty. Put simply, they want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Providing the Why
It is up to you as the leader of your construction company to provide the “why” of being loyal. It begins with your vision of why your business exists. It can be lofty, or it can be simple, but it must be expressed, and it should resonate with you and your employees. In other words, it must be inspirational in its authenticity.
The “why” you present can lean toward humor, “no home or business is complete without a toilet,” which leads toward a fundamental understanding of why your plumbing business is essential to the well-being of your clients. The skills needed to understand blueprints, the knowledge concerning correct materials, the ability to overcome obstacles, and the hours spent installing pipes, are essential. And no, it isn’t only toilets involved, but some would say you’re up . . .well, you know a certain creek if you don’t have a toilet.
Here are a few thought provokers for giving your employees the why behind your construction business.
We make dreams come true. (home builder)
Building solid foundations for an ever-changing world. (concrete contractor)
Without us – the rain gets in. (roofing contractor)
Keeping the lights on and on and on and on. (electrical contractor)
We change colors, moods, and lives. (painting contractor)
The down-and-dirty truth is when employees feel like their work is meaningful, they’re more likely to remain loyal.
Beyond the Why
Giving employees the opportunity for growth through training and explaining a path to advancement are also important ways to foster loyalty. Give them role clarity, task clarity, and structure. Let them know you do indeed care about their well-being.
Ask questions.
What do you like most about your job?
What is it you don’t like about your job?
Do you feel like what you do is meaningful?
What would you like to learn about?
How can we help you develop the skills you want?
What professional development needs do you have?
Listen to the answers and take action when you can.
Now the Hard Part about Loyalty
You may have noticed in the above list of desirable traits of a loyal employee that it does not mention the word longevity. If part of your definition concerning loyalty includes longevity, you may need to rethink.
There once was a time when employers were the bestowers of opportunity. Now, employees grant employers the use of their knowledge and skills.
Even with that being said, there are a few things you can do to work toward longevity as an aspect of loyalty.
Be sure your managers are leaders – not discouragers.
Recognize and show appreciation for even small accomplishments.
Make longevity rewards a part of your system.
Letting your employees know you want them to continue working for you can help your retention efforts.
“People will work for recognition and opportunity more than they’ll work for anything else.” – Marcus Lemonis
“Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” – Richard Branson
Reflection: One way to know when employees are loyal is when you see them working hard for their pay and notice they are committed to your company’s success.
Construction Contractors look to The Profit Constructors to provide advocacy in dealing with:
Clients and customers
Employees and subcontractors
Vendors and service providers
Governmental entities
Working with The Profit Constructors gives Construction Contractors the means to organize their operations in ways that help them:
Remain informed
Avoid hassles
Reduce risks
Be future-ready
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735