As the days grow shorter and the Winter Solstice approaches, it is common for people to reflect on the past year and prepare for the upcoming one. For businesses, this can be an ideal time to focus on nurturing their employees and the company. Developing strategies and learning practical tips to establish a positive work environment benefits the company and its employees. To learn more about supporting your business and keeping your employees happy, read more of this blog to learn more!
Review and reflect
It is vital to evaluate both the successes and shortcomings of your business. Allocating time for this task is crucial, especially with the new fiscal year approaching. Once you have determined your strategic goals, move on to tactical planning by assigning specific time slots for each step of the review process to ensure each step receives the attention it deserves. It is also essential to thoroughly review your accounting books to identify any mistakes made during the year. The insights gathered from this evaluation will help you identify areas that require improvement, develop strategic goals and plans, and implement new ideas for growth.
There are some helpful online planning tools for your business:
- Futurpreneur – https://www.futurpreneur.ca/en/resources/operational-and-financial-planning/tips-tools/your-business-check-up/
- Grant Thornton – https://www.grantthornton.ca/insights/year-end-tax-planning-tips-for-your-business/
- BDC – https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/entrepreneur-toolkit/templates-business-guides/business-plan-template
Seek feedback from employees and customers/clients
To improve your business, knowing how your customers feel about your products and services is important. One way to do this is by gathering feedback from them. You can use surveys, focus groups, or individual outreach to critical customers to get their thoughts. Once you have their feedback, you can use it to identify areas for improvement and enhance their experience. When gathering feedback from employees, creating a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts is crucial. If desired, let them know their responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. Doing this will encourage open and honest feedback that can help improve your business. If you use Microsoft or Google in your workplace, you can utilize their poll and survey tools.
Explore new approaches to HR
A company’s HR supports hiring, training, and supporting employees. It has been a challenging year for many businesses in Canada, with inflation and rising costs affecting the economy. Some employers have implemented a hiring freeze, while others plan to do so. Regardless of your chosen approach, researching current trends and finding ways to enhance the recruitment process can be beneficial to prepare your business. Randstad identifies the leading HR trends as upskilling, employee engagement, modern benefits, AI in HR, training investment, and diversity & inclusion.
Retain employees: Prioritize employee well-being.
Consider making it your New Year’s resolution to listen to the needs of your employees or members genuinely and to ensure that they have access to the necessary resources to not only perform their duties but also support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. One way to nurture your employees is to provide them with opportunities for growth and development. This can include training programs, mentoring, or giving them more responsibility and autonomy. When employees feel like they are learning and growing, they are more likely to stay with your company and contribute to its success over the long term. Another important aspect of nurturing your employees is to create a culture of open communication and feedback. Encourage your employees to share their ideas and feedback, and be open to their suggestions for improving processes or solving problems.
As we embrace the Winter Solstice, we welcome the opportunity to nurture our employees and businesses. By reflecting on the past year, seeking feedback, exploring new approaches, and prioritizing well-being, we can create a strong foundation for success in the coming year. Let this be a season of growth, learning, and prosperity for your employees and business.
WorkLink Employment Society proudly offers free employment services for local businesses. This includes using our Job Board, listings in our free e-newsletter, meeting space and hosting job fairs or information sessions to highlight your business. Contact us to learn more about our free employment services and resources: 250.478.9525 or info@worklink.bc.ca