The architecture and design industry, all industries for that matter, are in a new paradigm. From full-time in the office to hybrid and full work-from-home, unlimited PTO, and hot desks, organizations are rethinking culture from the ground up.
Part of the cultural redefinition is how to retain employees. Firms are at their best when every employee works as an integral part of the team, excited to be there and see themselves with your firm long term. It’s important to keep a team together to get work done.
Admittedly this was easier pre-pandemic. But there is hope! Here are tips that can help you inspire and keep the teams you have:
Be Transparent:
Understand the challenges and successes your team is experiencing and let them in on what’s going on. The more transparent you are with your team, the more they feel a part of the team and are likely to stay. Hoarding information with not help you – rather, it will cause distrust. Transparent expectations, however, will inspire and motivate your team.
Recognize Achievement:
Don’t leave any room for speculation. Let your people know when they are doing a great job! Tell team members explicitly and clearly how important they are to you. Praise them in front of their coworkers and reward them with tangible tokens of your appreciation: tailored gifts, bonuses, or other benefits.
If your team is working hybrid or not meeting in person, ensure that awards are announced through emails to your team members, short videos of congratulations on the intranet, or making time when you do have the team together. Be intentional about spreading praise.
Find Time Together Outside of Work:
It is more important than ever to find times to gather and connect in today’s hybrid environment. Whether that looks like a happy hour, miniature golf, or something popular in your area depends on your corporate culture and team interests. Success is getting together, not what you do. The close-knit and tight team that works well together stays together.
Listen to Your Team:
Learning to listen well takes practice, but the benefits are astronomical. Nothing will inspire a team member more than when they see leadership implement an idea that they think will make a difference. Team members know that when their idea is implemented, you listen. In doing so, you’re building the kind of interest and ownership team members won’t want to leave.
