HR Solutions Weblog

Since we get so many questions about how to make employees happy, I thought I would pull data from an employee survey conducted at a company voted “one of the best places to work”.  If you take a good look at these comments you will see a theme - all of the items that made employees happy at this particular company cost the owners nothing but a little time.

Credibility

• Your boss is not above doing any job. She will work any job level, thereby gaining respect and loyalty of other team players."
• "The door to management is always open. They listen."

Respect

• "I am not afraid to make mistakes, which allows me to be a risk taker. I am able to explore my ideas at this company."
• "Management truly encourages and expects individuals to care for themselves before work. They understand personal lives are more important than jobs."
• "This company is mainly concerned about the people within this company. We are obviously in business to make money, but the people come before the profits. The company takes care of the people first, and the people in turn take care of the profits."
• "Personal and professional opportunities here are endless. The company is always striving to improve itself and at the same time giving individuals the motivation and encouragement to achieve their desires. I have never worked anywhere else that I felt so comfortable and confident that I can achieve anything."

Fairness

• "I know that when I have a concern or difference of opinion with my supervisor, I can count on him to give me unbiased feedback and a different perspective. Whether he supports me or not, I know that he will give honest opinions and offer as many solutions as possible."
• "My boss is a great leader. She can make hard but fair decisions, and she always seems to do the right thing. She values differences in people, which is a great asset."

Pride

• "I feel as though I make a difference. My job allows me latitude to make decisions and implement them in order to get the job done. At the end of the day I can look back and see what I have been able to accomplish with a great feeling of satisfaction."
• "Every morning I wake up I am more than excited to get to work and do the best I can for a company that really appreciates it."
• "I spent most of my career in a company which focused on efficiency and profits - employees were a "means to the end." However, I have had the fortunate opportunity to join this company late in my career. This is truly a place that puts people first, manages from the heart, cares for the community."

Camaraderie

• "This is a great place to work because people care about each other. It doesn't seem so much like work when you are surrounded by people that care for you as an individual."
• "Because this company's managers try to make its workplace and its work activities fun, the whole company gains a very positive attitude leading to good performance."