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With the current shortage of qualified job candidates, retaining your existing employees has never been more important.

Finding ways to keep your team engaged and committed can make all the difference in maintaining a stable, productive workforce.

If you primarily work with subcontractors, you might think this newsletter doesn’t apply to you—but retaining reliable subcontractors can be just as challenging as keeping full-time employees. Many of the strategies below can help strengthen those relationships as well.

In this newsletter, we’ll explore why employee benefits matter, share some practical ideas for improving your own benefits package, and sprinkle in a few anecdotes to keep it real (and fun).

Why Employee Benefits Matter

Offering great benefits isn’t just a nice thing to do—it’s a smart business move. Here’s why:

1. Attracting Top Talent: In today’s competitive job market, skilled workers have options. A robust benefits package can set your business apart from others.

2. Boosting Retention: Employees who feel valued are less likely to leave. Replacing an employee can cost up to 33% of their annual salary—investing in benefits can save you money in the long run.

3. Increasing Productivity: Happy employees are more engaged, motivated, and productive. They’re also more likely to go above and beyond for your business.

4. Enhancing Your Reputation: Offering great benefits can establish your business as an employer of choice, which boosts your reputation in the industry and community.

How We Leveled Up Our Benefits

We’ve always been proud of our team, but we wanted to do more to show our appreciation. This year, we introduced two new benefits: leased company cars and health care coverage.

• Leased Company Cars: For team members who frequently travel between client sites, providing reliable transportation removes a major source of stress. They no longer have to worry about wear and tear on their personal vehicles or out-of-pocket gas expenses.

Plus, having company-branded vehicles reinforces our professional image (and we’ve received multiple potential client inquiries since the logo’d vehicles hit the road!)

• Health Care Coverage: Offering health care was a milestone for us. It sends a strong message to our employees that we care about their well-being, both inside and outside of work. One employee told us they’d been putting off a doctor’s visit for months because they didn’t have insurance.

With coverage in place, they finally scheduled the appointment—and the peace of mind it brought was priceless.

These changes didn’t just improve our team’s morale; they also reinforced our commitment to being a company that supports its people.

Here are some ideas to consider for enhancing your benefits packages. Remember, benefits don’t have to break the bank—they just need to show your employees that you care.

1. Flexible Schedules

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to work schedules. Offering flexible hours or remote work options can help employees achieve better work-life balance, which translates to greater satisfaction and loyalty.

Anecdote: One of our clients implemented a “four-day workweek” option during the summer months. Not only did their employees love it, but productivity actually increased because people were more focused and refreshed. 

2. Professional Development Opportunities

Invest in your employees’ growth by offering training, certifications, or access to industry conferences. It shows that you’re not just interested in what they can do for you today but also in their future potential.

Pro Tip: Set up a small stipend for online courses or industry memberships—it’s a low-cost way to encourage learning and development.

3. Wellness Programs

Promote health and well-being with initiatives like gym memberships, yoga classes, or mental health resources. These programs not only improve physical health but also reduce stress and burnout.

Anecdote: One of our colleagues runs a wellness challenge every quarter, where employees can earn small rewards for hitting health goals. It’s been a fun way to build camaraderie while encouraging healthy habits.

4. Childcare Assistance

For employees with young children, childcare can be a significant stressor. Offering subsidies, on-site childcare, or flexible hours to accommodate school pick-ups can be a huge relief. 

5. Recognition Programs

Sometimes, the best benefits aren’t material. Recognizing employees for their hard work and achievements—whether through “Employee of the Month” programs, shout-outs in team meetings, or personalized thank-you notes—goes a long way in making them feel appreciated.

6. Transportation Support

If your business requires a lot of travel, consider providing company vehicles (like we did!), gas stipends, or public transportation passes.

 Anecdote: One of our employees admitted they’d been anxious about commuting to multiple client sites because their car was on its last legs. When we handed over the keys to a company car, their relief was palpable—and their enthusiasm for the job soared.

7. Extra Paid Time Off (PTO)

Surprise your employees with an extra day off, especially during the holidays or after a big project. It’s a small gesture that makes a big impact.

Pro Tip: One business owner we know offers a “birthday PTO” policy—everyone gets their birthday off, no questions asked. It’s a simple perk that employees rave about. 

How to Get Started with Benefits

Introducing new benefits can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some steps to get you started:

1. Survey Your Employees: Ask your team what benefits they value most. You might be surprised by their answers—sometimes small changes, like providing snacks in the breakroom, can make a big difference.

2. Start Small: You don’t have to overhaul your benefits package overnight. Start with one or two new offerings and expand as your business grows.

3. Communicate Clearly: Once you introduce a new benefit, make sure your employees know about it! A benefit only works if people take advantage of it.

4. Evaluate Regularly: Revisit your benefits package each year to see what’s working and where you can improve.

The Payoff of a Happy Team

Providing meaningful benefits isn’t just about keeping employees happy—it’s about creating a workplace where people feel valued and motivated to do their best work. When your team knows you’re invested in their well-being, they’ll invest in your business’s success.

At Concierge Business Solutions®, we’ve seen how even small changes can make a big difference. The smiles on our employees’ faces when we handed over the keys to their new cars or announced health care coverage reminded us why we do what we do.

In every business, the people you hire can make or break your customer experience.

But there’s a big difference between an employee with a customer service mentality and one with an employee mentality.

One is focused on serving the client with a smile, while the other is quietly wondering, “What’s in this for me?”

If you’ve ever managed a team, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Let me share a couple of stories that highlight the difference—and why it matters so much for your business.

The Tale of Two Landscapers

Years ago, I hired a landscaper to fix up my yard. On the first day, one of the workers approached me and said, “What would you like this space to look like? Do you have any favorite plants or colors? I want to make sure it’s exactly how you envision it.” I was impressed—he didn’t just see himself as someone pulling weeds; he saw himself as someone creating a space I’d love.

Contrast that with another worker from a different crew I’d hired months earlier. He spent the whole time asking me questions like, “When do we get a break?” or “How soon can I clock out today?” Instead of focusing on the job, he was clearly focused on himself.

Guess which company I recommended to my neighbors? The one with the worker who cared about what I needed, not what he could get.

It’s All in the Approach

Employees with a customer service mentality look for ways to go above and beyond. They anticipate client needs, solve problems proactively, and treat every interaction as an opportunity to make someone’s day better. They’re not just doing a job—they’re building relationships.

On the other hand, employees with an employee mentality see work as a transaction. They clock in, do the bare minimum, and clock out. They don’t think about how their actions impact the business or the client because, to them, it’s just a paycheck.

Here’s another example: One of my clients owns a boutique bakery. Her most successful employee? A teenager who greets every customer with a smile and asks thoughtful questions like, “Are you celebrating something special today? Let me help you find the perfect cake.” Her least successful? The one who sighed dramatically every time the bell above the door rang. It didn’t take long to see which employee was boosting sales and which one was driving customers away.

How to Spot the Difference

Hiring people with a customer service mentality isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some tell-tale signs:

• Customer Service Mentality: They ask, “How can I help?” or “What can I do to make this better for you?”
• Employee Mentality: They ask, “What time do I get off?” or “Is this really part of my job?”
• Customer Service Mentality: They’re adaptable, willing to go the extra mile, and take pride in making clients happy.
• Employee Mentality: They stick rigidly to the rules, resist change, and see extra effort as “not their job.”

When interviewing candidates, I always ask, “Can you tell me about a time you went out of your way to help someone?” Their answer reveals a lot about their mindset. People with a customer service mentality will light up, eager to share their story. Those with an employee mentality? They’ll hem and haw, trying to think of something. (Hint: If it takes them more than a few seconds, you’ve got your answer.) 

Why It Matters for Your Business

The difference between these two mindsets isn’t just about making clients happy—it directly impacts your bottom line. Employees with a customer service mentality turn clients into loyal fans. They create positive experiences that lead to repeat business, glowing reviews, and word-of-mouth referrals.

 In contrast, employees with an employee mentality can drive clients away faster than you can say, “Next, please.”

One of my clients in the hospitality industry saw this firsthand. She had an employee who consistently received complaints for being curt and unhelpful. Her response? “I’m just here to do my job.” After replacing her with someone who genuinely cared about guest experiences, the complaints stopped, and customer satisfaction soared.

How to Foster a Customer Service Mentality 

While hiring the right people is key, creating a company culture that prioritizes customer service is just as important. Here’s how to encourage this mindset in your team: 

1. Lead by Example: Show your team what great service looks like. If they see you going the extra mile for clients, they’ll be more likely to follow suit.

2. Reward Great Service: Recognize employees who go above and beyond. Whether it’s a shout-out in a team meeting or a gift card for a job well done, positive reinforcement goes a long way.

3. Provide Training: Teach your team the importance of empathy, active listening, and problem-solving. The more equipped they are, the more confident they’ll feel in delivering exceptional service.

4. Share Success Stories: Highlight examples of excellent customer service within your company. It inspires others and sets the standard for what you expect.

Build a Team That Puts Customers First 

At Concierge Business Solutions®, we specialize in helping business owners like you build teams that align with your vision. Whether you need help hiring the right people, training your staff, or creating a culture that prioritizes customer satisfaction, we’re here to support you. 

Don’t let an employee mentality drag your business down. Let’s work together to cultivate a customer service mentality that sets your business apart.

 Contact us today at admin@conciergebusinesssolutions.com to learn how we can help you create a team that works for your clients—not just for a paycheck.

Because at the end of the day, happy clients = a successful business. And isn’t that why we’re all here?