Outsiders may wonder how ExpandaBrand has continued to grow from strength to strength over the years. Simon Sinek, author of ‘Start With Why’ aptly hit the nail on the head when he said: “Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first”.
When I first started working at ExpandaBrand, one of the questions that I asked my fellow coworkers was “how long have you been working here?” Each time the question was answered I was more amazed as most of the replies indicated that they had been with the company for years. I was absolutely astounded! The overall consensus was a feeling of happiness, passion and sincere job satisfaction. My coworkers all actually wanted to be working at ExpandaBrand and they were all passionate about working together to create a strong brand that ensured customers continue to receive the best product and the best service.
The word “perks” can create excitement with anyone. We all love a few perks in life. No, I’m not talking about retirement plans or health care benefits, although they are important benefits that anyone would want in their job. I am talking about those perks within a job that are absolutely priceless. They keep you excited and passionate about what you are doing. The age old saying, “It’s the little things that count” truly resonates with me as an employee. I want to feel heard and know that what I have to say actually counts for something! I also want to feel like I am an individual and not merely a sheep lost amongst the flock!
There are two perks that ExpandaBrand have adopted that I love and feel really work. The first is that they acknowledge that their employees have a voice. I feel recognized and valued as an employee. I have a voice! When someone feels like they actually matter and that they are being recognized for their contributions, they automatically want to keep trying harder which will add to their overall passion.
The second is being given choices. Being offered the option to take a course to enhance your skills, being encouraged to listen to music through your earphones whilst working, or whatever your needs may be. If people are given freedom to make choices as to how they might work better, they don’t feel like they are getting lost within the company, they feel like unique individuals.
Every business wants to be the best at what they do, have the most passionate employees, and the most satisfied customers, but the truth is that not all of them are able to accomplish this.
So, what ‘perks’ are you offering your employees? How are you keeping their passion alive?