A few thoughts from our first lady Jelena Vuletić, ACC..
Let’s imagine this situation:
You work in a successful company with an excellent salary. Suddenly, you get a job offer from a competitive company with a financial condition that is very hard to refuse.
You know that your current employer can’t beat that offer. Would you:
a. tell your superior about it?
b. keep it a secret until you finish negotiating the deal?
In the following lines, I would like to focus on those who chose option a) “Tell your superior about it”. Would you talk about the offer because you’ve always been open with your employer or use this to negotiate better conditions despite knowing there’s little chance?
So, what is loyalty in the business environment?
In my point of view, loyalty doesn’t have a price. If you are loyal and open, you will always share the news about the offer with your superior but not trade with your salary. Of course, it’s ethical, honest, and loyal to accept amazing conditions but without trading. Maybe it’s the right time to take the next step in your career. That doesn’t have to do anything with loyalty. So, if you decide to go, the loyalty to your old company continues if you don’t misuse information and data to help the new company grow.
However how does one get to the point where employees are loyal to their companies? How does one encourage and promote loyalty?
Nowadays, in the era of digitalization where people change jobs and countries very easily, it is difficult but not impossible. Paying attention to small things and the basic needs of employees is always the best place to start, developing a sense of belonging and the importance of unity. Simply – sharing the same values. Spending a lot of time on business premises mustn’t be all work and no fun. Celebrating birthdays and important life events, organizing team building, and giving rewards for years of service are some of the ways.
However, being there for your employees when they really need it, is something they will really appreciate. They will do their best to be hard workers and your strongest advocates and that kind of allegiance is priceless.
