Brigette Hyacinth* says any organisation has to earn the loyalty of its employees; lack of it comes at a high financial cost.
The long-term success of any organisation depends on the quality and loyalty of its employees.
In this fast-paced, rapidly changing business environment in which growth is critical, organisations need to revamp their strategy for finding and retaining the best talent.
According to research by Gallup less than 30 per cent of employees say they are loyal to the place where they work.
Frequent turnover has a negative impact on employee morale and productivity.
Every time an organisation loses and has to replace a salaried employee, it can cost up to nine months of that person’s salary in searching, appointing and training.
A lack of loyalty isn’t just among employees who leave. Some stay on and show disloyalty through attitudes.
In a way, that’s worse than if they left.
To excel, organisations need two things: Loyal employees and happy clients.
The link between employee satisfaction and the employee’s productivity is long- established.
Research has found that happy workers are 12 per cent more productive than their less satisfied counterparts.
Loyal employees are worth more than their weight in gold; they uphold your brand and ensure the success of your organisation.
They go the extra mile; they make it possible for you to win.
The reality is that employees are only as loyal to the organisation as they believe it is to them.
Building an organisation of committed, loyal employees ultimately comes down to demonstrating to employees that the organisation deserves their loyalty.
You need to provide a reason for your employees to be loyal.
Employees want challenging work, recognition and respect, opportunities for advancement, professional growth and development — and a flexible work environment.
Studies abound that show when employees are connected and engaged the organisation booms.
Employees want to be treated like human beings; they have feelings, emotions and personal lives.
When an organisation treats its employees like work units, they feel disrespected.
When it shows appreciation, empathy and is flexible, employees will think twice about leaving.
For a relationship to last, there must be mutual respect, love, trust, understanding and appreciation.
Without these, the foundation is shaky.
Loyal employees show up, deliver results and consistently go above and beyond.
They are the ones who make organisations efficient and successful.
Any strategy or business plan relies on motivated and engaged people to make it happen.
* Brigette Hyacinth founded the MBA Caribbean Organisation which conducts seminars and workshops in leadership, management and education as well as providing motivational speeches. She can be contacted at www.mbacaribbean.org.
This article first appeared on Brigette’s blogsite.
