Office Culture: Invest in Your Employees Part Three

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Everyone hears how managers and business owners should invest in their employees, but it can be difficult to do for a couple reasons. One obvious reason is financial constraints. Another reason is the worry that employees will be scooped up by another employer. The third reason is time constraints. Let's explore some of these reasons and how you can overcome some of these common hurdles.

Part Three: Time Constraints

In a perfect workplace, employers would be able to provide free workshops, classes, training, etc (with food!) during regular work hours for their employees. Unfortunately, this is not possible. A lot of companies are busy and every minute of the work day needs to be utilized to keep up productivity. So how do you invest in employees when there is not enough time in the day?

1. Utilize Breaks

Not everything you offer has to be during paid work hours. Utilize a lunch break or the time right after the office closes to bring opportunities to your employees. Have a health and wellness expert come during lunch to create mason jar salads. Organize a budgeting class at the end of the day. Include a high-school student to babysit, so those with children can attend. Take a "brain break" during the day and encourage employees to spend their 10 minute breaks taking a walk, or listening to a podcast. 

2. Plan Ahead

Plan a long lunch, afternoon, or Saturday to get the team together for a speaker or workshop. If you plan it far enough in advance, everyone will know what they need to complete and by when in order to attend without worry. When employees have something to look forward to, they will make sure they get everything done. 

3. Employee Time

Another option is to offer to pay for some or all of training/ classes, if the employee completes them on his or her own time. Maybe there is a night class on coding that will really help your employee take their position to the next level. Analyze the cost and help them afford the class. This allows them to better themselves and still be present for their regular work day. 

Employees are more productive when they have things to look forward to or breaks throughout the day. They will appreciate you investing in them and having the opportunity to attend something beneficial that is not always directly related to the company's policies and procedures. 

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