Implementation in International House

In addition to all of the above mentioned, we developed a few specific ideas on how to implement all this in International House.

For improving motivation and loyalty, we think the most important step would be to ensure comfortable working environment. The administrative work can sometimes be dull, especially when working alone. That’s why our main focus was on developing ideas that would make the workplace more relaxed, fun and people-friendly. First idea we had is implementing “casual Fridays”: on Fridays the employees could dress more casually. Of course, it does not mean they can come to work in a sweat suit or shorts and sneakers, but more business casual style then business formal. The idea behind it is that the employees would feel more comfortable and relaxed as the weekend is approaching, in opposite to usual stressful and “can’t wait for it to pass” Fridays. Another idea is investing into the environment itself. Maybe a plant, a funny gadget, or anything else that is not expensive, but would serve as a token of company’s dedication to its workers and investment in their benefit. If the employees realize they matter

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AIESEC

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to the company, their motivation and loyalty immediately goes up. One of the ideas is also developing team building activities for the whole staff, teachers and administration. The problem we noticed is that administrative staff is separated from the rest, and while the teachers have a teacher’s lounge where they can socialize between themselves, the administrative workers are left cut-out from the rest. Implementing activities such as karaoke, bowling, or some other cheap options for larger number of people, would bring all the employees together and made them not only coworkers, but also friends, which would mean they would feel higher responsibility at work they do with friends, and they would be more motivated to work in a friendly environment.

As far as the corporate culture goes, just a small rituals and customs implemented in the company could help. For example, if a person is on vacation or a sick leave, upon their return each coworker or the company itself presents a small welcome back gift for the employee. Regardless of the gift (maybe even only a box of chocolate), the employees would be appreciated and missed, and will be glad to start working again.

In the end, last idea for improving employees efficiency and satisfaction with their workplace is adding a personal or emotional factor to work. For example, offering a discount on language courses for employee’s family members, or handing out coupons for holidays, birthdays etc. This way, employee would feel that the company is giving something back as a reward for all the work, and that this reward directly benefits them or someone close to them. Also, good way of creating a feeling of higher responsibility and loyalty towards the company is adding an emotional factor. A small aquarium with two fish could do the work, since it creates a sense of obligation towards another living creature, which demands to be fed and cleaned on regular basis. If the employees would develop emotions towards the pet and consider it “their own”, it would motivate them further to come to work and take care of their pet, and also provide more interesting a fun working environment.

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Date: 2015-12-17; view: 731