Do your employees brag to their friends and family about how wonderful your company is? Does your company retain employees through thick and thin? If not, is it possible that you are not maximizing the work experience for your employees? In a time where distrust and uncertainty are common feelings within the workplace, companies are seeking ways to offer rewarding employment opportunities. Great companies do not just happen; they are the result of hard work tied to a vision and desire to be the "best." If you want to be a great company to work for, you can accomplish this through a number of practices that focus on many of the issues impacting employees and employment. The following are ten practices utilized by great companies to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.

1) Open Communication
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Open communication with employees is upper-most in the list of key initiatives that will lead to a successful employer-employee relationship. This goes beyond the traditional and often over-used "Open Door" concept, and focuses on providing employees with useful, timely, and honest information. By actively addressing and handling issues before they become problems, you show employees that you are on top of the situation, and that you are aware of the day-to-day operations within the company. Conversely, listen to your employees and respect their opinions. Making yourself available to your staff to hear what they are saying encourages the feedback process, and can provide you with important information on work processes, efficiencies, etc.

2) Career Opportunities
Employees appreciate career opportunities, especially those that are geared toward their individual choice, not dictated by management. Great companies offer a challenging work environment and training opportunities that provide for personal development and career growth based on the individual's capabilities, as well as company needs. This often includes tuition reimbursement programs, payment towards certification programs, providing time for work-related seminars, etc. Supervisors should work with their employees to sketch out a career path that will not only provide personal fulfillment, but will also help the company tap into and expand the employees' skills and capabilities.

3) Performance Evaluations
Just as important as providing the personal growth opportunities are the methods used to recognize and reward individual performance and contribution. It is important to establish meaningful expectations for the employees to strive for, and hold them accountable for their results. Companies that then tie money to individual performance and results, rather than making pay adjustments strictly on an entitlement basis, are more likely to have happy employees.
Meaningful performance evaluations that are conducted on a timely, consistent basis are essential in establishing realistic expectations and accountabilities for employees. When employees understand what is expected of them, they should be able to perform their duties and responsibilities at an acceptable level. Best practice companies have formalized systems in place where all employees and management are trained in the proper use of the forms. Typically, there should be multiple reviews throughout the year, most of which focus on the identified development plans. Evaluation forms should be clear and easy to administer, and should focus on goal setting and career development.

4) Favorable Working Environment
No one wants to work in an environment in which they feel uncomfortable, either mentally or physically. Employers of choice are typically known for their collegial and friendly atmosphere. A company that provides safe, healthy working conditions, with pleasant surroundings, is more likely to have productive and satisfied workers. Furthermore, fair and consistent applications of all company policies and procedures assist in maintaining an equitable workplace.

5) Family-Friendly Philosophy
Companies that promote a family-friendly philosophy recognize that the needs of individuals go beyond the structured workplace environment. Specifically, these companies are aware that employees have lives outside the workplace, and they are willing to offer flexibility so employees can spend quality time with their family. Whether it involves letting the employee miss a few hours of work to attend a school play, or having patience when an employee calls out of work to attend to an aging parent, best practice companies allow employees to make the work experience a win-win for both parties. Obviously, not all work situations can provide unlimited flexibility to accommodate individual schedules and needs, but in those situations where it is possible, it goes a long way toward improving the work experience.

6) Technology
Adequate, up-to-date tools and technology are necessary to keep a business current. Offering current technology such as computers, software, and such enable employees to access information more quickly and efficiently. Similarly, investing in labor saving tools and equipment will usually pay big dividends, since core duties and tasks can be accomplished easily and productivity is greatly increased. Included in this initiative is availability of employee training in existing and changing systems.

7) Benefits Selection
Employers of choice typically offer benefits geared to individuals with specific needs and family situations. These benefits are not necessarily free, but should be within a reasonable cost to both the company and the employee. One example is a Cafeteria Benefit Plan, which allows an employee to design his or her own benefit package by choosing different types of benefits that meet personal needs. A customized benefits package goes a long way towards making the employee feel in control of his or her situation, and may actually help the company to control the upward spiraling healthcare costs.

8) Fun, Extraneous Activities
All work and no play makes for very unhappy employees. Allowing employees to stretch their legs and get out of the office for an occasional extracurricular activity is a good way to promote teamwork and company loyalty. This can be achieved by holding picnics, events, parties, happy hours, etc. Though the cost to the company can be as expensive or as inexpensive as it wants to be, this type of "perk" will foster a positive sense of employee anticipation and response that will typically far outlast the dollars spent to make it happen.

9) Effective Management
A company's ability to function properly is at risk if an effective, competent management team is not in place. Management is perceived as the leaders of the company who are in a position to drive business in the right direction. Additionally, they are "bosses" to those underneath them. Management needs to be able to successfully address both the business and people side of their position. Often management training programs can provide managers with the skills and resources necessary to effectively carry out their role in the company.

10) Diversity Recognition
Lastly, those companies that embrace cultural diversity among employees, tend to have a competitive advantage over those that do not openly support this goal. Having employees with different backgrounds, all working towards a common goal, can lead to the success of their organization, both from an employee standpoint and within the community.

In summary, "great" companies are taking proactive steps to make their employees feel valued. As a result, employees are embracing the work experience and are left with a sense of belonging and appreciation. It is these employees who boast to others about the company they work for.