Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce Business Journal Q4 2014 | Page 47
Issue Sponsor:
MOUR COMMUNITY
Masjedi also recommends keeping employees
informed about how the company is doing. “High
performing employees want to know what is going
on in the company they work for,” he says. “It can
seem simple, but small business owners can increase
retention rates by being transparent with everything
they do, where the company is headed and ask for,
and listen to, feedback.”
King agrees on the importance of transparency,
especially when it comes to discussing salaries and
why raises might not be possible. “I provide a full
disclosure to demonstrate my total commitment to
employees,” says King. “I often detail the overall
spending habits of the company and talk about what
makes us money and what doesn’t. I really try to show
the importance of doing smart work. The employees
instantly recognize the monetary difference of re-work
and poor planning.”
Provide little perks for big payoff
A well-stocked office kitchen or organized afterhour outings cost little, yet create a harmonious
atmosphere. A few perks that don’t cost money:
having a casual dress code and easing certain
business policies, such as an allotted number of vacation
days or traditional management hierarchy. The result is an
enjoyable work environment that is much harder to leave.
“We have casual dress every day, unless an employee
is meeting with a client,” says King “We also offer lots
of coffee, water and other beverages in the office and
also keep a supply of healthy snacks for consumption.”
Medved’s company recently did away with its formal
vacation policy, allowing employees to take time off
whenever they need it. “We ask that everyone notify
their managers when they’re planning to take time off, or
work from home. That way we can make sure things get
covered, and everyone on a team isn’t out at the same
time,” says Medved.
Capterra utilizes a company-wide Google spreadsheet
with a row for each person, where each column is a
month. Each employee lists which day(s) of that month
they will be out, with a “half” next to it if it’s a half day,
or a “WH” next to it if they’re working from home. “So
far it’s worked great,” Medved says. “We think freedoms
contribute to an environment where people feel like they
are treated like adults, and therefore are more likely to be
committed to their work and the business.”
Be a part of the schmooztastic fun event!
During Business Week
Presented by
Tuesday, November 4th, 2014
Feature your business
at the Annual
Business to Business Expo!
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YOUR BOOTH TODAY
Contact the Chamber at 307-638-3388
or visit www.cheyennechamber.org for more information
Q4 2014 BUSINESS JOURNAL
l PG 47