As in any other relationship that is meant to last over time, – favoring a climate of mutual trust and esteem – even within a company it is important never to take people for granted . Indeed, it could be said that it is really fundamental (nine entrepreneurs out of ten are aware of it).
A good quality of life in the workplace can easily be translated into greater efficiency and productivity , as well as into a lower percentage of absenteeism or, even worse, sudden resignations. People who do not feel respected and gratified, in fact, sooner or later leave.
Be careful, though: if it is true that salary, bonuses and position play an important role in the work context, feeling satisfied (rather than paid) counts much more.
All the companies that, over the last few years, have decided to implement Welfare plans , ie corporate welfare, with the aim of improving and optimizing the work environment and the satisfaction of workers , are well aware of this.
But what is corporate welfare?
The very word “Welfare”, derived from English, means “well-being”.
Therefore, Welfare concerns the set of plans and initiatives put into practice by the employer to favor a positive perception by its employees.
Thus, a series of services are offered to improve the working quality of the people employed by a company. Examples of this type can be:
- Discounts and promotions for access to goods or services;
- Services to families, such as kindergartens, mortgages, social security;
- Personal services, such as gym, petrol vouchers, business dinners;
- Flexible hours, in line with the principles of smart working ;
- Health and safety assistance;
- Maternity support.
A well-structured welfare plan , in this way, is able to satisfy the needs and requirements of workers, favoring a better reconciliation between private life and work. The positive effects on people’s well-being are then translated into company performance. In addition to this, discounts and conventions increase the purchasing power of every single employee and, at the same time, the positive perception of the company, can quickly be translated into advantageous advertising and a growing loyalty towards the company. Both by customers and by the employees themselves.
In general, despite the difficulties, those who have carried out at least one initiative for the benefit of workers have noticed, in 78% of cases, a general improvement in the climate in the workplace. An increase in productivity (69%) and an increase in the company’s reputation (66%) were then found. Furthermore, a very high percentage of respondents believe that a positive work environment, recognition of merit and continuous training and motivation are essential elements today.
In an increasingly competitive labor market, in fact, the key to improving results and optimizing company processes and costs, seems to reside in the enhancement and management of human resources, that is, in the foundation of an efficient system of personnel organization.