As a small business, you know it’s very important that you do what you can to keep your employees happy. After all, turnover costs your company money, and in a small business, money may not be something you have much of. As an employee of a small business, it’s very important to know that your employer cares about you. If an employer shows you that you’re appreciated, it encourages you to stay there for a long period of time.

It’s known in the business world that employees need to feel appreciated. As a small business, you need to find creative and useful ways to do this in order to keep your employees happy. The following are five ways that you can show your employees that your small business cares about them.

1. Flexibility

Gone are the days of 9-5 work hours. Today’s employees need flexibility in their schedule in order to accommodate their hectic lifestyle. If you’re willing to offer your employees some flexibility in their schedule, you’ll not only show them that you appreciate them, but you’ll also make it harder for them to leave.

Understand that not every one of your employees will need to work the same shift. If it makes more sense for some people to start earlier or start later, allow them to do so. As long as you keep the hours fair among employees, giving them a little flexibility on start and end times will go a long way.

2. Benefits

Thanks to the Affordable Healthcare Act, changes have been made to health insurance regulations. As a small business, you may not be required to offer benefits to your employees, but it’s something you may want to consider.

The cost of healthcare is constantly rising, and your employees may be more willing to work for a company that offers great benefits versus one that offers a great salary. Talk with an insurance broker and research some small business employee benefits that could work for your company and your employees. Giving them this perk shows that you care.

3. Compassion

It may sound silly, but showing compassion for your employees will go a long way.

Emergencies and unexpected instances are going to occur in your employees’ lives at some point, and showing that you care more about their well-being than churning a profit will go a long way. For example, if someone has a medical emergency, make sure they know that they can take as much time off as they need to get healthy again. If an employee needs to take a day off work to volunteer at their child’s school, make sure they know this is okay.

Your employees need to balance their work and their life, and if they are constantly being punished for choosing their life, it will make them find another company to work for. Don’t assume that your employees need to work harder than you – it’s your business; you should work harder than anyone else in your company.

4. Involvement

Your employees have interests outside of the office, so make it a point to get to know your employees and get involved. For example, if one of your employees volunteers at an animal shelter, see if you can schedule an outing for your entire office to spend the day volunteering, or see if you have any extra funds or goods you can donate to the cause. If an employee’s son plays on a baseball team, see if you can donate the t-shirts or sponsor a tournament.

When you make it a point to align yourself with the interests of your employees, they will become more loyal to you. Plus, doing this type of stuff can be great PR for your business, and this can help generate some traffic and boost sales.

5. Honor

If you truly want to show your employees that you appreciate them, tell them. Make it a point to recognize your employees that go above and beyond. You can do this subtly by telling them about your appreciation during a meeting, or you can do so publicly by honoring certain individuals at work parties or events. Showing your employees that you care by actually letting them know can go a long way to boost morale.

The bottom line

Keeping your employees happy is important for a small business. By using these tips, you’ll show your employees they’re appreciated, and this can keep your employees constantly working hard to help your business find success.