The Strategic Side of Socialization in the Office: Keep Top Talent Close
7/8/2010 at 2:37 pm by
Times are tough, but job generation is helping turn around the economy. It’s also helping employees have options when it comes to finding fulfilling work.
It may be surprising news for business owners that a survey from the Conference Board showed employee job satisfaction levels were low at the height of the recession, with just 45 percent of Americans feeling good about their jobs. This indicates that even when jobs were scarce, employees wanted meaningful work.
Now that economic conditions are improving, workers may be more eager to migrate – even if employers need them to help their businesses meet success in the coming months. One way to keep staff satisfied and promote loyalty is to have a little fun in the office.
Gary Swart, CEO of oDesk, told SmallBiz.com that he creates activities for his workers to keep them engaged with each other – in and out of the office. From go-kart races on weekends to picnic lunches in the workday, he encourages employers to keep their companies exciting while giving employees “opportunities for growth and development.”
This approach may also be helpful, as a study from Gallup reveals that workers who feel they have close friends in the office are seven times more likely to be productive at work.
Remember – taking the time now to make your most talented workers feel good about their jobs may save you time and money later – when you don’t have to find new hires.





