At the heart of every successful business, there’s a dedicated team of frontline workers. Their roles span a diverse spectrum, from part-time students to seasonal workers, and even to emergency personnel. Understanding their distinct needs and challenges is important in establishing a happy and productive work environment.
In our recent webinar, "The Happiness Equation: The Key to Retaining Frontline Talent," hosted by Toma Pagojute, Chief Human Resources Officer at Quinyx, we delved deep into the topic of employee happiness and retention.
Here we share some insights from the session and action points on how you can understand the Happiness Equation for retaining frontline workers at your company.
Key insights from the State of the Frontline Workforce report
In a recent survey spanning 13,000 frontline workers worldwide, we uncovered some eye-opening statistics:
- 62% of frontline workers experience work-related stress, which inevitably impacts the quality of their work and customer service.
- The top three stress triggers were identified as lack of scheduling flexibility, the cost of living, and working excessive hours.
- Shockingly, 78% reported they lack an easy way to swap shifts, contributing to the stress they experience.
Career development is an important factor in retaining frontline talent. Astonishingly, one in three workers feel they lack opportunities for growth. Providing avenues for advancement within the organization is vital in keeping employees happy and committed.
The frontline workers hierarchy of needs
Jack Pigeon, our Workforce Management expert, introduced the Frontline worker hierarchy of needs, highlighting the importance of culture, livelihood, stability, and community. To achieve a thriving culture, it's essential to address all these needs systematically. By starting at the foundation and working upward, organizations can build a sustainable and thriving culture that supports their frontline workers.
Jack further emphasizes an accessible way to initiate this process. Step into the breakroom and take a moment to observe. What initiatives do you notice the manager has taken to support employees, both on the walls and the tables? Observe the interactions and activities of the employees in the space. Consider what efforts are being made to invest in their well-being and sense of community. Does the breakroom exude a feeling of togetherness?
Moreover, Jack invites us to reflect on our role in this equation. Are we, as HR managers or leaders, actively orchestrating and supporting this community-building effort? It's not just about the physical space, but the intentional actions and gestures that create an environment where employees feel valued and connected.
At last
Here are two actionable takeaways, you can get started with today:
Empower employees with scheduling flexibility: Provide tech solutions that allow employees to have a say in their work schedules, fostering flexibility and work-life balance.
Invest in community-building efforts: Take a proactive role in creating an environment where employees feel a sense of belonging. This extends beyond physical spaces and involves intentional actions that value and connect each member of the team.
By implementing these strategies, you're not only prioritizing the well-being of your frontline workers but also laying the foundation for a happy and thriving workplace culture.
Want to know more about employee happiness? Watch the full recording of our webinar The Happiness Equation: The Key to retaining frontline talent.
