2. EMPLOYEE LOYALTY
Loyalty is first and foremost about
reciprocity. Employees should have the
feeling that the organisation wants the
best for them, and as a result they will
continue to do their best and not look for
another job. Employee loyalty is thus
above all determined by how the
organisation has arranged things and the
way this is conveyed to the employee.
3. When policy is executed, the employee should have a central role. If
an organisation shows that it is doing its best for the employees, this
will create a feeling among employees of reciprocal obligation. You
should also give your employees the feeling that they are being
treated fairly: equal pay for equal work.
The employees should trust that you as employer want the best for
them and do not only act out of self-interest.
If your organisation pays little to no attention to the private lives of
the employees, conflict can arise. Employees who take part in other
activities outside of their work, which they feel committed to
(hobbies, sports, studies), have more trouble finding the right
balance between their work life and private life. Conflict between the
two has an impact on employee loyalty. The reverse is also the
case: if the organisation shows understanding for the employee
and can help the employee find the right balance, his loyalty will only
increase.
5. Organisations are highly dependent on
employees' loyalty; it is important
for organisational success. Even so, organisations
are rather sceptical about the extent to which
employees can really be loyal. There is a well-
known saying that goes: 'If you want loyalty, buy a
dog.'
In itself, it is not strange that the extent of
employee loyalty is declining. In the
past, organisations and employees really looked
out for one another. Employers offered
the security of a job in exchange for commitment
and loyalty. There was still a concept of 'life-time
employment'.
6. Today, both employers and employees think more about
themselves. Employers are under more pressure from
shareholders to perform well and as a result cannot
always offer job security. Despite this, organisations should
continue to focus on employee loyalty and attempt to
increase it, because it has a positive effect on attendance,
the risk of absence and organisational citizenship behaviour.
In times of economic progress and a shortage on the labour
market, the importance of loyalty for organisations is getting
ever greater. On the one hand the competition for talent is
increasing. An organisation naturally wants to retain talented
employees. On the other hand, more and more is being
invested in employee development. These developments
mean that turnover is becoming more expensive
7. In times of economic downturn, the immediate necessity of
employee loyalty is less clear. However, it is still vitally
important. True, employees will stick to your organisation in
economically rough periods, but do they have the right
motivation? Slacking on important issues for employees will
not influence an organisation in the short term, but in the long
run, it may have a devastating effect on your
talented workforce. They will be the first to leave when the
opportunity arises.
During economic strife it is good and often necessary to re-
evaluate your staff in order to see where you need to cut back
in order to become healthy again. But, this does not mean
loyalty is less important. It remains vitally important in the
places it will hurt most to lose employees: among your talent
pool. Periods of economic boom can often mask problems
within organisations which are only uncovered during
economic downturn, so it is just as important to have a
continuous, reliable supply of information.
9. Connect With Your Staff
The only way you can connect with your
employees is via communication. Make sure
you communicate with your staff regularly in a
clear and concise manner. You need to
understand that not everyone in the
organization receives information in the same
way.
This is why it is vital to explore variety in your
communication efforts. This makes sure
everyone gets the message in a convenient
way, which enhances bonding.
10. Provide a Reason for Your
Employees to be Loyal
Don't expect your employees to take up loyalty
without a reason. Rack your brain and come
up with something that will convince your staff
that you care about them. One way to do this
is to provide a pleasant working environment
for them. Such a gesture will show the workers
that you take their welfare seriously and they
in turn will reward you with their loyalty.
11. Play Your Role Perfectly
However close you get to your employees,
don't forget your role as their employer.
Employees should know they have someone
who can make the right decision, even in the
tightest situation. Once they have faith in you,
winning their trust and loyalty is easy.
12. Be a Good Example to Your
Employees
Some workers are able to learn from example. Try
to be a loyal employer. Loyalty as an employer
entails committing your efforts to the success of
the company. Additionally, don't criticize your
employees in front of others.
Develop the same attitude in your top managers,
so that they recognize the importance of being
role models. Let the managers find ways of
showing their support for the subordinate staff at
all times. You never know how infectious these
actions can be to other employees.