The founders of a large outsourced call center for the health care and hospital industries set out to create a unique work culture, and they’ve largely succeeded. They don’t pay their employees any more money than other outsourcers yet they enjoy a turnover rate of less than 20%. Why?
It’s all about making employees smile. Here’s how they do it.
- Give employees a voice – they created a team that consists of 15 co-workers, from all facets of the organization, responsible for enhancing the culture.
- Pay them fairly – lack of a fair pay structure can quickly lead to dissension.
- Recognize and reward – leaders should personally let people know that they appreciate them.
- Offer opportunities for advancement – look first within the ranks when a position becomes available. Provide opportunities for training and mentoring to help people grow personally and professionally.
- Support out-of-the-box semantics – this outsourcers HR department is the “Department of Great People and Fun,” and its director? The “Queen of Fun and Laughter.” Humor works. Fun does, too!
- Infiltrate the workplace with fun – look for opportunities to celebrate and make them festive.
- Walk the walk – if you’re having a down day, don’t let it show. Just as laughter is contagious, so is a frown.
- Send a handwritten note – it’s even more appreciated today than it was two decades ago.
- Let down your guard – don’t be afraid to sit in the dunk tank or wear a funny costume. Smiles are contagious so get a little outrageous.
- Open your heart – this outsourcer created a formal program so that co-workers can inform them about events in their lives and they find appropriate ways to be there for them when they need it.
So smile and create a culture worth crowing about – not only will it make your company a great place to work, it might just earn you a nod as an of Employer of Choice!