With the constant evolution of human capital, it is imperative that employees, and leaders, are engaged at all levels. Have you enabled a culture that makes your team wake up in the morning and look forward to coming to work? Or are they simply collecting a paycheck? Talented employees can get a paycheck anywhere…everything an employer provides beyond a paycheck is what keeps them there.
Do you truly have an open door policy? Or is your door only open when your lights are off? It’s not that employees want to talk to leaders every day, but knowing they have the ability to do so can go a long way. If employees can’t sit down with their boss and have a conversation - about family, work, weekends, hobbies - you have a problem. No survey can replace a one-on-one conversation.
Be transparent with your vision for the future…who are you planning to be and what role will your employees play in that vision? Enable them to play a role that has an impact on the future state of your organization. Naturally, a sense of ownership and pride will develop, further enhancing a positive environment.
Treat people well, listen to what they have to say, and provide them with opportunities to advance. Most importantly, be sincere while doing all of this because it truly is the right thing to do. Otherwise, they’ll see through to the insincerity, which may also drive them to insubordination. You can’t fake culture. If the leadership of your company doesn’t believe in something, don’t try to convince your employees that you do.
Workplace wellness and wellbeing are perfect examples. If the focus is solely on ROI, that ship has sailed. Conversely, if the focus is on educating employees and improving their way of life, the ROI will surpass any mathematical projection. Creating a positive culture, supported by a positive environment, will create a rewarding experience for your employees that will have a positive impact on your financial statements.
Specific to health insurance, it is inevitable that the delivery model will change at some point in the future and create disruption for all involved. Further, it is very likely the roles of the employer, employee, broker, and carrier will all change. Instead of just letting the industry “happen” to them, engage your employees to drive change. Surround yourself with trusted advisors who share in your vision to make your organization one of choice, not default. Starting now is not too late.
Your employees are talking…are you listening?
