What are some effective ways to engage long-term employees?

Foster a positive work culture, recognize achievements, provide regular feedback, and encourage a healthy work-life balance. Offering competitive benefits and creating a sense of purpose within the organization also contribute to long-term employee engagement.

Long term employees are an asset to the Organization for the reason they carry with them lots of experience and have deep knowledge of the company culture. This is critical for every new CEO who enters the Organization with an intent to transform. No change is possible until it is carefully crafted as per the existing unwritten values of the Organization. It is well stated by Peter Drucker that “ Culture eats strategy for breakfast” Therefore long term employees should be respected and loyalty should be rewarded. Also as a part of career development they should be employed by management to implement organisational changes which will create a win win situation.

"Studies show 94% employees would stay longer at a company if it invested in their career development" Investing in career development isn’t just a perk; it’s a powerful retention strategy. By offering continuous learning opportunities like workshops, certifications or mentorship programs, companies not only enhance the employees’ skills but also demonstrate a commitment to their growth. This investment nurtures loyalty & motivation among long-term employees. Having clear paths for advancement & providing challenging projects not only keeps them engaged but also helps retain top talent. When employees feel supported in their career aspirations, they're more likely to remain committed, contributing positively to the organization’s success

Soliciting & acting on feedback is pivotal for ensuring an engaged workforce. Establishing a feedback culture involves creating diverse channels—surveys, open-door policies, focus groups—for employees to express opinions & concerns. Equally important is transparently communicating the outcomes & action plans derived from this feedback. Implementation requires a systematic approach: prioritize actionable suggestions, involve employees in solution brainstorming, and assign responsibilities with clear timelines. Follow-up & recognition for successful changes are crucial. This two-way dialogue not only empowers employees but also drives organizational improvements, ultimately enhancing engagement and loyalty.

Having the long-term employees mentor less experienced employees, seek the value in the input of the long-standing employee by building training materials, ensuring their succession, lending a hand in the quality of services and identifying with them what is needed to select personnel. Another great way to get their feedback is to survey how they want to be recognized, what approaches work for them, what career goals they have, etc.

A study by Deloitte found that 85% of employees consider recognition as more important than monetary rewards. Recognition goes beyond monetary incentives. Timely acknowledgment, personalized gestures & peer-to-peer appreciation play pivotal roles in boosting morale & engagement. Personalized recognition respects individual preferences, whether through public praise or private acknowledgments. Prioritizing recognition & rewards not only enhances morale but also creates a culture where employees feel appreciated, nurturing loyalty & a desire to contribute to the company's success.

Management should consider their employees as assets of their organization. An experienced employee who well understood the atmosphere & customers expectations are to be recognised for his long service.

Encouraging innovation & creativity among employees requires cultivating a supportive environment. Start by nurturing openness—welcoming diverse ideas regardless of hierarchy. Cultivate risk-taking; it's okay if not all attempts succeed immediately—learn from both success & failure. Providing resources, dedicated time & spaces for brainstorming nurtures creativity. Recognize & reward innovation; celebrate innovative ideas & their impact on the company. Leadership should role model openness to new ideas & support innovative initiatives. By nurturing an innovative environment, companies not only boost engagement but also drive ongoing improvement & competitiveness.