Are your Employees Assets or Liabilities?

Employees are the backbone of every company and organisation. They give structure and shape. But whatever contribution the employees make, big or small, the businesses and organisations see them as liabilities. Why as liabilities, because they have to pay for their services. Large organisations regard employees as extra costs. They have to contribute towards their provident fund and insurance schemes as well as bi-annual or annual increments. Many employers say that money just keeps going. The human resources department has to work round the clock to work for the betterment of the company. This is regarding laying out employees and recruiting new ones. The senior management team have to restructure the vision and mission of the organisation to make it look attractive. At the end of the day, the employees realise that majority of the companies and organisations work as a double-edged sword. Over the years, the concept of employees as liabilities has changed. Now, they are highly regarded as assets. Companies are spending huge amounts of money to get their employees trained and updated with the new computer software and applications. They are investing more in employees than they used to. It has resulted in profits for many organisations as it has boosted the morale and output of the employees. They are productive, efficient and well organised. Moreover, it boosts the image of the company. In turn, they gain from all sides, as they also attract more customers and clients.

Work With Employees

Organisations should work with their employees then have them work for them. There is a huge difference. Every company and every organisation should respect their employees, and in return, they will get respect. It's about giving and take. If companies are always looking for profits and making the employees work overtime without any bonuses or allowances, they are pushing them away. Employees want the best from their employers. They want to be treated like a family member and not as a servant. Employees need short breaks now and then; day offs, and holidays to get themselves together. Overwork makes them stressed and eventually it leads to depression. Employees' health is very crucial. If their health is good, they are able to put in the effort, and the give a quality output. If they are suffering, the output will suffer, and the organisation suffers also.  If an employee feels that the organisation is not giving him the respect, he will become less productive and eventually leave the job. Word of such types of organisations and companies spread easily. Then it becomes tough to recruit a new employee. Instead of recruiting new employees, companies should look at ways of retaining their current employees. Employers can work with the employees by developing and upgrading their skills. This can be achieved through on-going workshops and training. Employees can be given certificates upon the completion of the training. This will make them feel honoured. Employers can provide annual increments, the best employee of the month certificate or gift vouchers to encourage and motivate the employees. They can also offer festive hampers and discounts on holiday destinations or movie passes and restaurant coupons. Organisations should:

-    Be honest with their workers. They should discuss profits and losses. They shouldn't keep the employees in the dark.

-    Organization and planning. If the company is looking at expansion, it should discuss and plan with the employees. The employees should be made aware of all that is happening. The company can get inputs such as ideas from them.

-    Credibility. Companies should be credible. Employees should trust the employer. In turn, the employer can enjoy productivity and quality output. Companies make huge amounts of profits when their employees believe them.

-    Communication. This is very important between the employee and the employer. Employers should be ready for the good and the bad; this is the same for employees. But companies should keep in mind to use appropriate methods and words of relaying the message.

-    Think from the employees' perspective. Every once in a while, employers should put themselves in the employee's shoes. By doing so, they will feel and understand the needs and wants of the employees.

-    Don't threaten employees. Companies shouldn't threaten the employees with layoffs and abrupt changes. The senior managers and supervisors can give a helping hand. They should make the employees aware what the changes have in store for them.

Employees should feel happy and safe in whatever organisation or company they are working in. They should feel that they are part of a huge family.