Chief Caring Officer
July 14, 2010
In most companies all across America you will hear comments like, “My employees are our most valuable asset.” “We could do nothing without our valued employees.” “We treasure and care about our valuable employees.” “Our company is a great place to work because of the employees.” “Our employees are the key to our success.” Well deserved accolades I’m sure, however when you flip the coin to the other side, and ask the employees of the if they feel like the most valued asset of their company? Reluctantly, most would beg to differ with that assessment.
What is the reason for this apparent gap or blind spot within most organizations? The employees are provided wonderful compensation plans, benefit packages, flexible work schedules, child care facilities, workout centers, clean ergonomically developed work areas and beautiful offices. What else could a company possibly offer that isn’t already being offered them? One has to really strain to come up with anything else not already being offered to recruit and retain valuable employees. One point to ponder is when an employee finds themselves in the midst of a personal or professional crisis, which has either temporarily or permanently impacted their work performance. The employee is suddenly blind-sided by an accident, sudden illness, death of a friend or family member, depression, spousal lay off or termination, aging parents, teen or children issues, floods, fire, tornadoes or divorce.
How does a company assist their employees in their most dire time of need? Is there an open environment which fosters friendly and warm communication with supervisors or human resources? Do employees think that if they share about their situation they will place their position “at risk?” Will they just try to manage or keep everything bottled up inside? Will they visit with every other employee within their department, thus affecting everyone’s productivity along with theirs? Is anyone equipped to “be there” for those employees, or do we just expect them to suck it up and focus on their responsibilities at work? What immediate resources can be offered to assist these “most valued employees?” What plan is written, ready, in place and springs into action when employees face life’s most challenging moments? Are there designated personnel on site, with a warm relationship already in place and functioning? Does the company presently have resources and relationships they feel comfortable recommending to these employees in crisis? Is there an action plan geared for times outside of office hours, or while out of town and away from family?
There are two times in life when employees need you, and that is…when they need you, and when they need you! If employers truly believe their employees are their most valuable asset, this is the exact moment to step up and show it. This is the golden moment every employer should use to solidify this employee relationship and earn their loyalty for life. How you respond in this moment determines everything! It’s time to close the final gap…and move beyond compliance only, by offering Corporate Care for your employees.