host posted on October 01, 2007 08:56
How to Make your Employees Smile
It’s better at Beryl…
Beryl Companies was founded by Paul Spiegleman and his two brothers as an outsourced call center for the health care and hospital industries. The founders wanted to create a unique work culture and they have largely succeeded. Although they don’t pay their employees any more money than other outsourcers, they enjoy a turnover rate of less than 20%. Why? It’s all about making employees smile. Here’s how they do it.
- Give employees a voice – the Better Beryl Bureau consists of 15 co-workers from all facets of the organization responsible for enhancing the culture.
- Pay them fairly – lack of a fair pay structure can quickly lead to dissension.
- Recognize and reward – leaders must personally let people know that they appreciate them.
- Offer opportunities for advancement – look first within the ranks when a position becomes available. Provide opportunities for training and mentoring to help people grow personally and professionally.
- Support out-of-the-box semantics – their HR department is the “Department of Great People and Fun,” and its director is the “Queen of Fun and Laughter.”
- Infiltrate the workplace with fun – look for opportunities to celebrate and make them festive.
- Walk the walk – if you’re having a down day, don’t let it show. Just as laughter is contagious, so is a frown.
- Send a handwritten note – it’s even more appreciated today than it was two decades ago.
- Let down your guard – don’t be afraid to sit in the dunk tank or wear a funny costume.
- Open your heart – they have created a formal program so that co-workers can inform them about events in their lives and they find appropriate ways to be there for them when they need it.