Minnesota Labor & Employment Law Blog : Minnesota Employment Lawyers & Attorneys : Abrams & Schmidt Law Firm : Unfair Labor Practices, Workplace Investigations : Minneapolis, St. Paul, Twin Cities

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Anyone engaged in business wants to increase profits, streamline efficiency, and save money. This is true if you are running a manufacturing plant, designing buildings, or installing high end fiber optics. Following good solid business practices and practicing fiscal management are key principles to business success.

The soft side to a successful business is often underestimated. I am talking about “employees” or “talent.” While employee wages and benefits can be one of the most expensive line items in a business budget, the non-cash, human element of employing workers can be grossly underestimated.

Depending on which survey you believe, worker dissatisfaction seems to be a problem for many workplaces to some degree. This may be attributable to a variety of factors including the economy, increased pressures at work and home, or generational differences between workers and supervisors. A general restlessness amongst employees is not good for any business. To determine if you have a problem in your business, the first step is to assess your employees current level of satisfaction.

The opposite of employee dissatisfaction is what every business owner should want, that is loyalty from its employees. Harvey Mackay, author of “Outswimming the Sharks,” is on the circuit promoting his new book about job search secrets. He identifies a common theme among job hunters as, “It’s not all about the money.” He suggests four things can breed loyalty of employees to a business or organization:

• Professional development: Employees who are challenged and learn new skills stick around longer. Mentoring is a tool to keep employees growing professionally.

• Coaching and feedback: Employees like to hear how they are doing and that their contributions matter.

• Positive work environment: Surroundings and co-workers make a difference in job satisfaction, and a little fun helps too.

• Good bosses: People don’t leave jobs, they leave bosses.

All of these will lead to increased profits, streamlined efficiency, and saving money. Loyal employees enjoy being at work, experience less absenteeism, are more productive, and they are less likely to engage in litigation against their employers.