How to be a “Great Place to Work”

How to be a “Great Place to Work”

Denita Preston

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In today’s job market, a company’s reputation is more important than ever. Being known as a “great place to work” gives a business the edge to attract and retain top talent, where employees are engaged, inspired and feel valued. Other than boosting employee morale, a thriving work culture is seen to generate better productivity and lead to stronger overall business performance. So, what does it take to be a great place to work?

Listen. No – Really Listen.

It’s not breaking news that open and honest communication is key to creating a space for people to be heard. What we look for in strong employees are individuals that are capable of taking feedback. Consider that this is a two-way street. A team that feels comfortable sharing their ideas, feedback, and concerns without fear of being judged or invalidated leads to a strong environment of trust and respect.

Support Employee Wellness

Wellness is no doubt a big topic, as there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to promoting the well-being of staff. Implementing initiatives specifically targeted toward health and wellness will go far in demonstrating that the company cares about employees at a holistic level. Consider promoting walks, outdoor activities, mental health awareness, or ‘bring your dog to work days’ to alleviate stress and foster a healthy and fulfilling workplace.

Prioritise Employee Development

A commitment to employee development is not only an investment in the individual but also in the long-term growth of the organisation. Studies have shown that 64% of job seekers value training and development opportunities as a top priority in their workplace. Making training, workshops, and development programs available for employees empowers them to grow both personally and professionally. Further, your employees will add greater value to your organisation as they become more skilled and knowledgeable in the industry.

Meaningful, Purpose-Driven Company Culture

Why are we doing this, anyway? A powerful WHY statement sets the tone for the entire organisation. When a team can truly get behind a mission and feel bonded to a strong purpose, employee performance, drive, and productivity are likely to skyrocket. Yes – most high performers are eager to meet targets and financial rewards, but what sets apart a good organisation from a great one is when the team is authentically committed to an inspiring vision rather than attached to short-term results. Celebrating not just the numbers, but the meaningful wins reinforces that everyone is working together towards a common goal.

Simple in theory but a long-term commitment in practice, becoming a great place to work does not come overnight. As they say – if it were easy, everyone would be doing it! However, the rewards are fruitful and will not only attract top talent but will pave the way for long-term success.