This Is The Bare Minimum Your Employer Should Be Doing
What do you consider the bare minimum your employer owes you? I was having a conversation with a good friend yesterday who was going to the first day of work in her company’s new office. She had said the day before that she hoped there was coffee in the new office building.
They were moving from a skyscraper office to a much smaller building still uptown. And sure enough, I got the text yesterday morning “confirmed the new office does not have coffee”.
The Bare Minimum Your Employer Should Be Providing
She went on to say there was a Keurig but there weren’t pods for it. Sure she or anyone else could bring their own but in our humble opinion, she shouldn’t have to pay for that. We then decided coffee is the bare minimum your employer should be offering their employees.
Heck even Jiffy Lube gives customers free coffee. But that got me thinking what are other things that fit into that category of the bare minimum that your employer should be providing to workers.
I’m sure some of you will say nothing other than a paycheck is expected- but sorry I don’t feel that way. So I polled those around me and we determined a few other “perks” that are just expected when it comes to working in an office.
Bathrooms, Parking, and More
If you’re working in an office you expect to have working and clean bathrooms. I’ll even take that up a notch and say you need at least male and female winners or two separate unisex bathrooms. This isn’t too much to ask.
The necessary office supplies. These are simply the cost of doing business and anything like paper, pens, paper clips, staples, or folders. If your expects you to provide your own? Big red flag.
A limited kitchen is also not too much to ask. A fridge to keep your lunch in, access to filtered water, and a microwave. No need for a chef’s kitchen but this is just the bare minimum your employer can provide. Though in a perfect world on the job meals would be a perk. Hey, a girl can dream right?
Finally and this one is something I know all employers don’t provide. But they should- free parking. Listen if I’m coming to work and earn money, I shouldn’t have to pay to park my vehicle. This is by far the most controversial perk on this list, but I stand behind it.
And of course a living wage. But that is another rant for another day. Many, many employers offer much more than the bare minimum. I know Charlotte offices that have beer on tap, basketball courts, and provide massages. What do you consider the bare minimum your employer should be providing to you?
North Carolina Employers Here Is What Your Employees Actually Want
Listen To Your Employees
This is such a big one. Everyone wants to feel heard, and when employers are making decisions with no regards to the people who have to execute those decisions? Well, it’s not going to be as successful as it could potentially be. You don’t have to take every suggestion. But letting people know they have a right to an opinion, and that they are heard- it can do wonders for morale. The last thing employees want is to feel like a worker bee whom no one in ownership or management respects. Who better to help figure out how to make things run smoother and more productive than those doing the actual work? And you can’t solve a problem that you don’t know exists.
Regular Reviews
Check-in with your employees. Performance reviews done correctly can have an immense benefit to both employers and employees. It can increase morale by giving you an easy platform to praise what an employee is contributing. And also identify areas that need improvement and how to best implement strategies to help the employee with that. Plus when employees see that they are valued it can go a long way in increasing productivity and long-term success. Frequent reviews can also allow employers to identify any issues within a team and take action to correct those issues.
Encourage Development
Most employees don’t want to feel stagnant in a role. If there is no room for growth and development tasks become mundane and in turn, good employees can and will look elsewhere. Training can benefit the employer as well. Think of it as an investment. You have to spend money to make money. It’s also another way to show your employees that you value them and care about them and their careers.
Ensure Work-Life Balance
This is such a big one. I know for me personally I will go go go, but I will also burn out fast. I need that time to recharge. And especially after covid workers are demanding a work-life balance. Like it or not in order to maintain a valuable workforce, employers are going to have to comply. Whether it’s a flexible work schedule, days off, or encouraging physical fitness or mental health. A good work-life balance ensures productive and motivated employees. What employer does not want their employees to be less stressed?
Change Your Office Space
I’ve worked hard to make my office an oasis. Mood lighting, a stand-up desk, a walking pad treadmill, and decor that is “me”. Many people will still be more in favor of working from home (not a topic I want to get into at this point) or at least a hybrid work situation. A welcoming environment can make employees feel at home positively impacting and company culture.
Fair And Living Wages
And in this economy the one thing your employees want? It’s money. It’s not pizza or a pullover with your logo on it. It’s to be paid a living wage. It’s yearly raises that outpace inflation. It’s the best way to show your employees their value. The people who pull the most weight in any given company are almost always the lowest compensated. Mangers have an important job no question. But when you neglect to fairly compensate the others? You cannot and will not be successful long term. So invest in your people. You want them to work hard for you? Pay your employees their worth.
To See You Working Hard As Well
If you aren’t willing to work hard, why would your employees? Be visible and don’t let any job be beneath you. Spend time working directly with your employees, or perhaps offer to help with something. Being willing to help speaks volumes. And noticing when that help may be needed. It makes your employees feel seen. If all you are doing is delegating, there is a good chance that will be noticed. And it’s hard to respect a manager who has no problem throwing work at people but refuses to do the work themselves.
