How to retain your best employees

The rules of employee retention have changed. No longer can loyalty be bought with big salaries, hefty bonuses, and rich benefits packages. Today it takes intangible, non-monetary rewards to create an atmosphere that makes your people feel valued, respected, and involved. It takes a whole new way of thinking. This is the seventh edition of a 22-week special on ideas you could implement to keep those best employees:

7) Keep Your Employees Healthy

Healthy employees have more energy, higher morale, and better attendance. Everyone benefits when you help your workers stay in shape, but you don’t have to build an on-site fitness center to improve their health. Here are some options that will inspire wellness and loyalty among employees:

• Investigate local health clubs. You may be able to negotiate a group rate for your employees. Think about sharing part of the cost to encourage participation.

• Provide healthy snacks and drinks. Doughnuts and candy bars in the break room can be altogether too tempting. Replace them with fresh fruit, granola bars, fruit juice, and other healthful snack alternatives. You might also consider taking away the soft drinks from the break room. Water is much healthier, and less expensive!

• Work with your insurance/benefits provider. A healthy workforce benefits your insurance company as well as your own organization. The company may be able to provide information on healthy lifestyles and guidance for wellness programs that will keep costs down by preventing illness and injury.

By making some of these subtle changes, not only will you be helping your employees get healthier, but they will understand that you really do care about them.