The Five Essential Qualities of a Great Place to Work

1. A Culture of Care

“caring” is the word most used to describe our most workplace that people want to work in — and it speaks volumes.

Employees in a high-trust culture, who believe they’re part of a caring workplace, are also 44 percent more likely to work for a company with above-average revenue growth. Why such a dramatic correlation? A culture of caring is an engagement-trifecta:

1. Leaders show employees they’re valued
2. Employees care for each other and your clients
3. The entire organization cares that their shared vision is realized

2. Promote Clear Definitions of Success

What does success look like in a certain role? What are the clear indicators of company success? What skills can help you become more successful? A great place to work will provide a crystal-clear definition for each. These benchmarks for success are found in quarterly or annual employee goals, departmental goals, and company goals. Timely reviews and regular syncs ensure employees feel their priorities match expectations. These progress checks should be backed by outlets for educational growth:

• Consider offering tuition reimbursement or on-the-job training
• Connect employees with online educational platforms (Udemy, Coursera, Linkedin Learning, etc.)
• Encourage managers to develop professional development plans for employees

When employees know what it means to be successful (and how they can get there) they feel empowered to show up as their best selves each day.

3. Leaders That Embrace a “Compass” Identity

Strong leadership is a given for a great place to work; however, it’s only effective when visible. Your leadership team should take a uniformed stance that is clearly communicated and accessible to employees. Institute open door policies, regularly sync as an organization and identify a shared vision that is authentic and consistent. Leaders should act as a compass and position their employees for what’s ahead.

4. Flexibility

Scroll through any list of “great places to work” and you’re sure to see flexibility. Employees lives are no longer dictated by the hands of the clock, the ability to embrace flexible work schedules and choose to work remotely is critical. With the advancements in technology, historic limitations to a flexible work environment have quickly dissipated.

5. Encourage an Intrapreneurial Mindset

Give employees the freedom to chart their own course within your organization. Encourage them to speak up when gaps arise or when their passions can breed way to innovation within your business. Let your people’s inherit skills and abilities guide their career path.