Sometimes understanding our feelings can be very confusing and elusive. There are days when burying a feeling deep beneath the skin seems far more comforting than letting ourselves experience it. Even if we do sense these feelings, we often struggle to put them into words.
Despite these challenges, it is only healthy to get in touch with our feelings. Let’s just take a moment to visualize this: say you are standing in a swimming pool, and beside you is a beach ball you don’t wish to play with. You fiercely try to push this ball underwater, to keep it away. But what happens then?
To our dismay, the ball that was meant to sink gushes out of the water, right back at us! Instead of forcefully shoving the ball away, what if we just let the ball be? Initially, the ball is uncomfortably close to us, but with time, the ball sways away with the wind, or we may perhaps swim elsewhere in the pool. We acknowledge that the ball is still within the pool but safely away from us.
Now what if I told you that the ball represents our feelings? The more we push, the faster it springs back. Perhaps the key to dealing with our feelings is to just acknowledge and allow them to be!
Feelings Wheel: A Guide to understanding our feelings
The feelings wheel is a simple tool that helps us recognise and communicate our feelings. It comprises a circle with six “primary emotions” (happy, surprise, fear, anger, sadness, and disgust) that are quite easy to identify. This is then followed by 64 more complex “secondary emotions” on the outer edge of the circle that help in pinning down our emotions more accurately.
Why use the feelings wheel?
Rita had a difficult day at work, a project she was working on had failed. She was rude to her co-workers and continued to feel angry towards her kids when she got back home.
While it is understandable for Rita to feel angry for failing, could there be more to this anger? Perhaps beneath this anger were deeper layers of “disappointment” for not being able to complete the task, or she was “anxious” about having to discuss this with the client the next day.
Oftentimes we mask our feelings with other emotions that are easier for us to express, like anger in Rita’s case. However, using the feelings wheel allows us to access layers of feelings which we may miss out on otherwise.
How does the feelings wheel help?
Lowers emotional distress: A 12-year research study indicates that suppressing emotions led to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and on the contrary labelling helps lower the grip that emotions have on us, thus giving us more control over our emotions.
Helps identify triggers: Being mindful of how we feel helps us stay prepared to deal with those emotions. Just like how we grab a bite when we feel “hungry“, feeling “exhausted” could indicate the need for a break.
Broadens our emotional vocabulary: Helps us get an in-depth essence of what we feel as opposed to what we think we feel. Like saying Sad vs Lonely or Abandoned.
How do I use the feelings wheel?
Begin by identifying the primary emotion you relate to, continue to trace the secondary emotions; and pick what suits you the best.
Verbal expression: Try saying, “I feel…” or you could even help others articulate their emotions by saying, “Sounds to me like you are feeling…” Robert Corso, a Child research expert suggests that children who see adults express emotions are more likely to follow suit.
Journaling: Writing down our emotions in a similar manner has often proved to bring a sense of relief.
Usage in Art: The feelings wheel is colour coded, making its usage a lot more stimulative and fun. One could also use these shades to express emotions through art.
Concluding this with a powerful dialogue from a web series that reiterates how feelings add meaning to our lives – “You feel a lot, which means you are going to hurt. But it also means you are going to live a life that is emotionally rich and beautiful”
Remember, if we don’t choose how to respond to our feelings, our feelings will choose for us, and that may not be very convenient!
Creating a positive employee experience is no longer just a nice-to-have; it is a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to attract and retain top talent in today’s competitive landscape. While numerous factors contribute to a great employee experience, at its core are the feelings that employees experience within the workplace. When employees feel valued, supported, empowered, engaged and fulfilled, they are more likely to be motivated, productive, and loyal. To achieve this, organizations must recognize the importance of fostering specific feelings within their workforce.
From the perspective of an Employee Assistance Organization, which is dedicated to supporting, employee’s mental health and well-being, it becomes evident that certain feelings play a central role in creating a positive employee experience, the significance of these feelings and how they contribute to a thriving work environment. We will not leave you there- we will then discuss actionable strategies for organizations to cultivate these emotions within their workforce. By prioritizing these emotional experiences, organizations can enhance employee well-being, drive employee engagement, and build a resilient and successful workforce.
Strategies for an Enhanced Employee Experience
Let’s dive into each of these with strategies:
Appreciated
Employees need to feel appreciated for their contributions, efforts and achievements. When their work is recognized and acknowledged, it boosts morale and creates a sense of value and worth.
Recognition Programs: Implement formal recognition programs that acknowledge and appreciate employee achievements and milestones. This can include awards, certificated, or public acknowledgements in team meetings or company-wide communication channels.
Personalized Appreciation: Encourage managers and colleagues to provide specific and personalized appreciation to individual employees. This can be through handwritten notes, thank-you emails, or one-to-one conversations highlighting the employee’s unique contributions.
Peer-to-peer Recognition: Foster a culture of peer-to-peer recognition where employees can acknowledge and appreciate each other’s work. This can be done through online platforms, dedicated appreciation channels or informal team recognition activities.
Supported
Employees should feel supported by their colleagues and leaders. Supportive environments foster teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. When employees know they have a support system, they feel more confident in taking on challenges and overcoming obstacles.
Regular check-ins: Conduct check-ins with employees to provide guidance, feedback, and support. These discussions create an opportunity to address concerns, offer assistance, and ensure employees feel supported in their roles.
Professional Development Programs: Invest in professional Development programs such as workshops, seminars or online courses. These initiatives help employees acquire new skills, enhance their expertise and feel supported in their career growth.
Mentorship programs: Establish mentorship programs that pair employees with experiences mentors who can provide guidance, support, and advice. Mentoring relationships foster a sense of support, personal development and career advancement.
Empowered
Employees thrive when they feel empowered to make decisions and have a sense of control over their work. Trusting employees with autonomy and providing them with the resources and authority needed to accomplish their tasks instills a sense of ownership and pride in their work.
Decision-Making Autonomy: Delegate decision-making authority to employees whenever possible. Encourage them to make decisions within their areas of responsibility, providing guidelines and support as needed. This empowered to take ownership and feel more in control of their work.
Transparent Communication: Foster transparent communication channels that keep employees informed about the organization’s goals, strategies and decision-making processes. This transparency helps employees understand the bigger picture and feel empowered to contribute their ideas and opinions.
Skill Enhancement Opportunities: Offer training programs or workshops that enhance employees’ skill and expertise. Providing opportunities for professional growth equips employees with the knowledge and confidence needed to take on new challenges and responsibilities, empowering them in their roles.
Engaged
Engaged employees are fully involved and enthusiastic about their work. They feel connected to the purpose and goals of the organization, and their work aligns with their values and passions. Engaged employees are motivated, productive, and willing to go the extra mile to contribute to the success of the organization.
Goal alignment: Ensure that employees’ individual goals align with the organization’s overarching objectives. Establish clear communication channels to convey the company’s vision, mission, and goals and help employees understand how their work contributes to the larger purpose. This alignment creates a sense of engagement and motivation.
Regular Feedback and Development: Implement regular feedback mechanisms, such as performance evaluations or check-ins, to provide employees with constructive feedback on their work. Offer opportunities for skill development and growth through training programs, mentorship or job rotations. Continuous feedback and development opportunities engage employees in their personal and professional growth.
Challenging Projects and Opportunities: Assign employees challenging projects or tasks that stretch their abilities and provide opportunities for learning and growth. Giving employees meaningful and challenging work helps then stay engaged and motivated. It also shows that their skills and expertise are valued.
Fulfilled
Feeling a sense of fulfillment is crucial for employee well-being. When employees find meaning and purpose in their work, it brings a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment. Providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, aligning work with individual strengths and interests, and promoting a positive work culture contribute to a sense of fulfillment.
Purpose-Driven Work: Communicate the organization’s purpose and how employees’ work contributes to that purpose. Help employees understand the impact they have on customers, communities, or society as a whole. When employees connect their work to a larger purpose, it brings a sense of fulfillment and meaning.
Work-Life Integration: Support employees in achieving work-life integration by promoting flexible work arrangements, encouraging work-life balance, and recognizing the importance of personal well-being. When employees have the flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives, they experience greater fulfilment and satisfaction.
Strength-Based Approach: Identify and leverage employees’ strengths and talents in their roles. Assign tasks that align with their strengths and provide opportunities for them to excel. When employees can use their strengths and perform tasks they enjoy, they experience a greater sense of fulfilment.
Employees need to feel appreciated for their contributions, efforts and achievements. Recognizing and acknowledging their work not only boosts morale but also instils a sense of value and worth. Moreover, employees should feel supported by their colleagues and leaders, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes teamwork and belonging. When individuals know they have a support system, they gain confidence in overcoming challenges and obstacles.
Empowerment is another vital aspect, as employees thrive when they have the autonomy and control to make decisions and accomplish tasks. Trusting employees with resources and authority cultivates a sense of ownership and pride in their work. They connect with the organization’s purpose and goals, and their work aligns with their values and passions. This motivation leads to increased productivity and willingness to go the extra mile. Lastly, a sense of fulfillment is critical for employee well-being. When individuals find meaning and purpose in their work, it brings about a deep sense of satisfaction. Providing growth opportunities, aligning work with strengths and interests, and fostering a positive work culture all contribute to employees’ fulfilment. By focusing on these key elements, organizations can find result in a positive and thriving employee experience.
In today’s competitive business landscape, retaining top talent has become an increasingly crucial goal for organizations. High employee turnover not only disrupts productivity but also hampers morale and impacts the bottom line. To address this challenge, corporate organizations can benefit from understanding the psychological factors that influence employee retention. In the article, we will delve into the realm of employee retention strategies from a psychologist’s perspective and explore how organizations can cultivate a work environment that promotes engagement, job satisfaction, and long-term commitment.
The Power of Purpose and Meaning
Psychologists have long emphasized the significance of purpose and meaning in human motivation and well-being. When it comes to employee retention, creating a sense of purpose and meaning within the workplace is vital.
The Golden Circle Sheds Light in a World Full of Noise Organizational Vision: Ensure that employees understand the company’s mission, values, and long-term goals. Communicate the bigger picture and show how everyone contributes to the overall success of the organization. This sense of purpose can foster a deeper connection and commitment among employees.
Recognize Individual Contributions: Acknowledge and appreciate employees for their unique contributions and achievements. Regularly provide feedback and recognition to reinforce their sense of purpose and importance within the organization. Feeling valued and recognized enhances job satisfaction and reduces the likelihood of employees seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Nurturing Positive Relationships
Positive relationships built on trust, respect, and effective communication are the foundation of a cohesive and engaged workforce. Psychologists recognize the fundamental importance of positive relationships in overall well-being and job satisfaction. Fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment can significantly impact employee retention.
Encourage Effective Communication: Establish channels for open and honest communication within the organization. Encourage employees to voice their concerns, ideas, and feedback. When employees feel heard and respected, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed.
Build Strong Leadership: Invest in leadership development programs to cultivate strong and empathetic leaders. Effective leaders inspire trust, provide support, and facilitate growth opportunities for their team members. By developing leaders who prioritize the well-being and professional growth of their employees, organizations can create a positive work culture that fosters retention.
Continuous Learning and Development
Psychologists stress the importance of continuous learning and development for personal growth and job satisfaction. Organizations that invest in employee development initiatives have a higher chance of retaining their top talent.
Provide Growth Opportunities: Offer various opportunities for employees to learn and grow within their roles. This can include training programs, mentorship initiatives, and cross-functional projects. By providing avenues for skill development and career advancement, organizations demonstrate their commitment to employee growth and retention.
Individualized Development Plans: Recognize that each employee has unique strengths, interests and career aspirations. Work with employees to create personalized development plans that align with their goals and contribute to the organization’s objectives. This individualized approach fosters a sense of investment and loyalty among employees.
Cultivating a Positive Work Culture
Psychologists emphasize the impact of the work environment on employee satisfaction and retention. Organizations that prioritize a positive work culture reap the benefits of increased retention rates.
Foster Collaboration and Teamwork: Encourage teamwork and collaboration through team-building activities, shared goals, and cross-functional projects. When employees feel a sense of camaraderie and belonging, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to the organization.
Prioritizing Employee Well-being
Globally, employee engagement and well-being remain very low, and it is holding back enormous growth potential. Psychologists understand the significance of employee well-being in overall job satisfaction and retention. Organizations that prioritize employee well-being and mental health create a supportive and nurturing workplace.
Mental Health Support: Offer resources and programs that support employee mental health. Implement employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide access to counselling, mental health resources and stress management techniques. Proactively addressing mental health concerns reduces the risk of burnout and increases employee retention.
Promote Work-Life Integration: Encourage work-life integration by providing resources and support for employees’ physical and mental well-being. Offer wellness programs, flexible work hours and initiatives that promote self-care. By supporting holistic well-being, organizations create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to stay.
Conclusion
Employee retention is a critical factor for organizational success and understanding the psychology behind it is crucial. By incorporating the principles or purpose, positive relationships, continuous learning, positive work culture and employee well-being, organizations can build a foundation for sustainable employee retention and foster a workplace that attracts and retains top talent. Be sure to implement these employee retention strategies in your organization.
Employee attrition can be a significant challenge for organizations, affecting productivity, morale and financial stability. It not only disrupts the workflow but also leads to increased recruitment and training costs. To address this challenge, organizations focus on enhancing employee engagement, satisfaction, and well-being. In this blog, we will explore seven effective strategies to reduce employee attrition and retain top talent. As an Employee Assistance Program, we understand the crucial need for our corporate clients to build a resilient workforce.
Understanding the root cause of attrition
To address employee attrition, organizations must first identify the underlying causes. Common factors include poor leadership, lack of growth opportunities, inadequate work-life balance, and limited employee recognition. By understanding these root causes, organizations can design targeted interventions like conducting exit interviews, analyzing employee feedback and monitoring key performance indicators and gathering valuable insights into the reasons employees choose to leave and address them effectively. We’ll delve deeper into this through the reading.
1. Foster a positive work culture
Creating a positive work culture is the foundation for retaining employees. When employees feel valued and respected, they are more likely to stay committed to the organization. Organizations can promote a positive work culture in the following ways.
Promote diversity, equity and inclusion: Encourage a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace culture. Create policies and initiatives that promote diversity in hiring, provide equal opportunities for advancement, and ensure a respectful and inclusive work environment. A diverse and inclusive workplace cultivates a sense of belonging and engagement, reducing attrition among employees from underrepresented groups.
eNPS: Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) is a metric used to measure the loyalty and satisfaction of employees and can help organizations identify areas for improvement. The eNPS typically asks one question: “On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend this company as a place to work”? By tracking eNPS over time and analyzing feedback from employees, organizations can take targeted actions to enhance employee engagement, address concerns and foster a positive work environment.
Develop strong leadership: Effective leadership plays a crucial role in employee retention. Invest in developing strong leaders who can not only inspire, motivate and guide their teams but who are also accessible, supportive and capable of providing clear direction and feedback.
Trust and Support: Strong leaders build trust and establish supportive relationships with their team members. They create an environment where employees feel valued, listened to and supported. When employees have trust and confidence in their leaders, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to their work and the organization.
Upward feedback: Also known as upward appraisal or upward evaluation, it is a process where employees provide feedback to their managers or supervisors. Unlike traditional feedback channels where managers evaluate employees, upward feedback allows employees to offer their perspectives on their superior’s performance, leadership style, communication style and other relevant areas. Upward feedback serves 4 main purposes: It provides employees with a platform to express their opinions, concerns and support in shaping the work environment and managerial effectiveness. It can help managers identify their strengths and areas for improvement. This way, organizations demonstrate a commitment to valuing employee opinions and fostering an open feedback culture. This can enhance employee engagement, job satisfaction and trust in the organization.
Zappos, an online shoe and clothing retailer, prioritizes a positive work culture. Their core values include “Deliver WOW through service” and create fun and a little weirdness”. By nurturing a positive and unique work environment, Zappos has achieved high employee satisfaction and low attrition rates. [Forbes, Preserving A Culture People Love As Your Company Grows: Lessons from Zappos, https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriscancialosi/2017/05/30/preserving-a-culture-people-love-as-your- company-grows-lessons-from-zappos/?sh=1515c2b712ba]
2. Enhance Employee Engagement
Engaged employees are passionate, motivated, and committed to their work. Involve employees in decision-making processes, recognize their contributions, and provide opportunities for professional growth.
HubSpot, a leading marketing and sales software company, implements initiatives such as ‘Culture Champions’ and ‘Employee-Led Resource Groups’ to enhance employee engagement. This approach has resulted in increased retention rates and a thriving company culture. [The HubSpot Culture, https://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/34234/the-hubspot- culture-code-creating-a-company-we-love.aspx]
Provide meaningful work: Employees are more likely to stay with an organization if they find their work meaningful and impactful. Align job roles and responsibilities with employees’ skills, strengths and interests. Show them how their contributions play a part in the overall success of the company.
Improve Communication Channels: Establish transparent and open communication channels within the organization. Regularly communicate important information, updates, and company goals to keep employees informed and engaged. Regular team meetings, town halls, and anonymous feedback mechanisms can facilitate open dialogue and build trust. Encourage two-way communication by actively seeking feedback, listening to employee concerns, and addressing them promptly.
3. Provide Opportunities for Advancement
Employees value opportunities to grow and develop their skills. Implement training programs, mentorship initiatives and learning opportunities that enable employees to enhance their knowledge and advance in their careers. This shows your commitment to their professional growth, increasing their loyalty and job satisfaction. Encourage work-related autonomy within defined boundaries, allowing individuals to take ownership of their work.
Retention of Top Talent: Talented employees who are driven and ambitious are more likely to seek career progression. By offering internal career paths and growth opportunities, organizations can engage and retain their high-potential employees.
Succession Planning and Talent Pipeline: By providing opportunities for advancement, organizations can build a strong internal talent pipeline. When employees see a clear progression path, they are motivated to develop their skills and expertise, contributing to the long-term success planning, ensuring a smooth transition of key roles and minimizing disruption.
Salesforce, a global CRM leader, offers its employees a comprehensive learning platform called Trailhead. This platform provides access to various training modules and certifications, enabling employees to enhance their skills and explore new career avenues within the organization. [Skill Up For the Future, https://trailhead.salesforce.com/]
4. Promote Work-Life Integration
Supporting work-life balance is essential for employee well-being and satisfaction. Offer flexible work arrangements, promote time off, and implement policies that encourage healthy work-life integration.
Johnson & Johnson’s ‘Live for Life’ program focused on employee well-being by providing access to health screenings, fitness centers and stress management resources. This holistic approach has resulted in improved employee well-being and reduced attrition rates. [Johnson & Johnson Live for Life Program: Now and Then, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11842975_Johnson_Johnson_Live_for_LifeR_program_Now_and_then]
Flexible work arrangements: Offering flexible work options such as remote work, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks allows employees to manage personal responsibilities effectively.
Support Employee Well-being: Employee well-being should be a priority for organizations to demonstrate the organization’s commitment to employee well-being. Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that offer resources, counselling services, and wellness programs to support employees facing personal challenges.
5. Check the pulse of your employees
These are critical for attracting and retaining top talent. Regularly review and adjust salary packages, benefits and perks to stay competitive in the market.
Conduct Stay Interviews: Stay interviews involve regular conversations with employees to understand their job satisfaction, challenges and aspirations. This proactive approach allows you to identify potential issues or areas for improvement before they lead to attrition.
Conduct Exit Interviews: When an employee decides to leave, conduct exit interviews to understand their reasons for departure. Exit interviews provide valuable insights into the organization’s strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to identify areas of improvement. Use the feedback gathered to make necessary changes and address any recurring concerns or issues that may be contributing to attrition.
Recognizing and rewarding employees for their contributions is crucial for building a culture of appreciation. Implement recognition programs, provide rewards and incentives, and celebrate employees’ achievements publicly.
Performance-based Incentives: Offering monetary rewards, bonuses, or additional benefits based on individual or team performance encourages employees to excel.
Employee Appreciation Programs: Recognizing achievements through public appreciation, awards and employee spotlights reinforces a culture of appreciation and fosters a sense of belonging.
Cisco, a multinational technology conglomerate, has a comprehensive recognition program called, “Connected Recognition”. Through this program, employees can recognize and appreciate their peers, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing attrition. [Workhuman, Case Study: Cisco Connected Recognition, https://www.workhuman.com/resources/case-studies/cisco-case-study]
Reducing employee attrition requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. By fostering a positive work culture, enhancing employee engagement, growth opportunities, promoting work-life integration and supporting well-being, organizations can build a resilient workforce; add to that offering competitive compensation and employee recognition. As an employee assistance company, we are committed to supporting our corporate clients in reducing attrition and creating a thriving workplace environment. Together, we can build a resilient workforce that drives organizational success.
