Now I think it’s safe to say that the past 2 years have been the most challenging for businesses this century. Scott Morrison has said it’s 30 times worse than the global financial crisis of 2008. While most financial experts don’t rate it quite so high businesses have suffered dramatically.
The compromised supply chains, reduced freight options, no customer access and snap lockdowns have all had a huge impact. Although many of these have improved, the next challenge is staffing.From hospitality to IT, there are massive shortages and as we all know staff are vital to your business survival, without your team your business is crippled. For those lucky enough to have kept their team going through the flexibility of working from home, don’t be fooled that they haven’t been impacted. The constant need to pivot and adapt almost on a daily basis at times has put everyone under pressure.
Winter is coming so how about an end of financial year thank you gift? A warm snug hoodie, beanie, vacuum drink bottle to keep a hot drink in, travel mug etc, the list of useful gifts you can source is endless. Merch Solutions is a one stop shop for gifts and merchandise for businesses across Australia, specialising in helping businesses to say Thank You to staff and customers.
Regional areas have seen a huge influx of new residents from the city and there are housing crises being declared throughout the eastern coast including Byron Bay and the Sunshine Coast. Geographically it may be difficult to keep staff in a physical office space, the combination of the appeal of working out of the cities and the proof it can work efficiently having been put to the test due to Covid-19.
Now more than ever is the time to value your staff, the people who have stuck with you and the people who have just started with you. With a limited recruitment pool that businesses are vying for your business culture will be key to survival. A Harvard Business Review Study revealed that job satisfaction, business environment, culture and values are just as important as financial factors to retain staff.
If you don’t have a program to acknowledge your staff commitment, it’s time to invest in one. It can be as simple as vouchers for a sporting event, theatre or spa to say thank you. We all love to be appreciated and it’s so simple to do, when you take a step back and take in what they have achieved for you in this crazy time.
For help with staff gifts check out www.merchsolutions.com.au