The Top 10 Ways to Become an Employer of Choice (EOC)

Employers of Choice are ideally situated for today's competitive climate. Because they attract and keep the best, they do well competitively in the marketplace and in terms of attracting more of "the best." In her article, "Becoming an Employer of Choice," Christine Martin Bertany, HR Strategies International gives some tips.

1. Employers of Choice (EOCs) pay attention to what employees really want.

In this order, surveys say: having a good manager; working on challenging projects; being rewarded and recognized for their work; learning and growing on the leading edge of technology, products, ideas and business; collaborative communication; having a degree of control, autonomy in their day -- types of projects, dress, etc.; and then salary.

2. "Create a corporate culture that isn't corporate," says Bertany.

After assuring that customers and clients feel comfortable and are cared for, let employees set their own tone. It's their culture, after all.

3. Taking this initiative is best done from within, developed and managed by those who know the company best--employees, managers and HR personnel.

Outside experts can give parameters, guidance and tips.

4. Be collaborative.

Share information and involvement to the most depth possible. Knowledge is power. Employees can and will outperform if they're empowered.

5. Clear paths for getting the work done.

And for furthering careers. "Office politics and unnecessary hoops and obstacles," Bertany says "eat up time and money and cause employee frustration."

6. Simplify the "administrivia" so people can do their work!

Everyone hates it. Why is it there?

7. Hire according to company values. Match the employee to your particular culture.

8. Address the reasons top employees leave.

(1) Lack of opportunity with the company; (2) Dissatisfaction with work conditions; (3) Non-competitive pay and benefits; (4) Lack of confidence in management or lack of empowerment to successfully perform job tasks.

9. "Every business has low-hanging fruit that can significantly improve the quality of life if only someone would take responsibility for picking it."

Choose something small, but that will have immediate impact. Get employees involved so you know you have the right target.

10. Some ideas? Here are some things that have worked.

  • Feed them and they will come. Here in San Antonio, TX, the insurance giant USAA is the place to work. Why? People tell me about their cafeterias -- open all day offering hot fudge sundaes, slurpees and popcorn in the afternoon, and meals they can take home to family.
     
  • Pets at work and pet insurance.
     
  • Flexible hours. USAA offers a v. popular 4-day workweek.
     
  • Discounts on purchases, tickets and other things the buying-power of a corporation can leverage (USAA again).
     
  • Kozmo.com, personal valet, coaching
     
  • Tuition
     
  • DAYS OFF
     
  • No pantyhose!!!!!!!
    • About the Submitter

    This piece was originally submitted by Susan Dunn, M.A., Author of , The EQ Coach, who can be reached at sdunn1@susandunn.cc, or visited on the web. Susan Dunn wants you to know: I bring emotional intelligence to the workplace, coaching individuals and executives, offering workshops, presentations, programs, anti-mobbing, and interactive Internet courses. Email me for free ezine. Write "EQ" for subject line. The original source is: Christine Martin Bertany, HR Strategies Int'l.