13 Great Employee Onboarding Examples
Hiring new employees can be stressful on both sides. That’s why companies put time and effort into their onboarding process. It’s important to have a good onboarding process, not only for employee turnover but for employee satisfaction in the long run. Tips for Great Employee Onboarding 1. Share information that will impact New Starters in their First Week When you’ve finally chosen the person to fulfill the position and they’ve agreed, it’s important to communicate what your expectations will be for the first week. The first week at work can be stressful, learning new ways of doing things, trying to find the quietest bathroom, and finding the best place to order lunch from are all issues they’d have to deal with. Adding a few curveballs to the mix, especially when the rest of the office knew about it, won’t make them feel any better. 2. Make their first day comfortable There’s nothing worse than showing up for your first day of work, and no one knows about your arrival, who you are, or where you’re supposed to go. Make sure co-workers are expecting a new employee, and prepare their workspace for them. Don’t worry about dressing it up, just give them their space and whatever provisions they’d need to get started. If possible, you could even call a quick meeting to welcome the new employee and introduce them to the people they’d be working closest with. 3. Assign newcomers a work partner Starting a new job can already be a stressful time, there’s no need to add more stress to new employees by leaving them by themself in this new environment. Instead, ask current employees if anyone would be interested in assisting the new employee for the first few weeks. The current employees will understand the key roles of the business and what the expectations of the new employee would be. Having someone to watch over them, or help them when they have any questions within the workplace that don’t need upper management to solve is a great way to lessen the stress of starting a new job. 4. Plan probation management Plan the probation period for any new employees. A great way to plan their probation is by setting some goals that you’d like them to achieve. Don’t make them anything serious, instead make them fun, and sociable, but still related to work somehow. You could ask them to talk to a new co-worker each day for a week. Simple tasks that will boost their morale, as well as help them bond with co-workers. You should however plan what their role in your company is after the probation period and look at whether they work well within the group and with their co-workers. Their role within the company should be discussed with them during the probation period. That’s the reason probation periods exist. Sometimes a certain person just does not mix well with the office culture or work ethic. Companies are always on the lookout for recruits, especially those with skills and experience that relate to the position that needs filling. Businesses have even turned to social media to recruit new employees like Facebook and LinkedIn. If your company does use LinkedIn, here are LinkedIn tools that will help you get the best results from your next recruitment campaign on LinkedIn. There are plenty of companies that use these tips and more for their onboarding process. 13 Great Employee Onboarding Examples 1. Bazaarvoice Bazaarvoice is a digital company that offers software to companies that would like to display user-generated content on their websites. Bazaarvoice’s onboarding process is quite simple but very effective. All employees must attend on-site onboarding classes before starting work at the company. These classes will include the inner workings of whichever role the employee will take, as well as company structure, rules, and culture. The classes aren’t split between different levels of employees, which creates a great learning environment that is free from any prejudice. They’ve even adopted a fun game called onboarding scavenger hunt. 2. Netflix Netflix has amassed a massive user base since its humble beginnings in 1997. How you might ask? Netflix has a solid reputation for treating its employees well. They put a lot of time and effort into finding positive ways to boost employee productivity, building trust with their employees, and an overall focus on growing the company. Netflix has an excellent onboarding process that starts from day one. All new employees are greeted with a desk and laptop ready at their disposal before they even get to work. All necessities are accounted for. Call it a starting gift. Offering an employee everything they need and a space to work on day one should be an important thing more companies strive to do. Not only will employees feel important from day one, but they will be more productive from day one. 3. PepsiCo PepsiCo, the famous beverage company, is well known for trying to bring the fun factor when it comes to employee training. PepsiCo has integrated a cloud-based system that provides new employees with all kinds of educational videos, webinars, and instructional posts about things at work. Includes are quizzes and other supporting material that make finding answers to questions at work a bit more fun and easier. This software was designed by a company called Appical, which specializes in HR technology and is based in Amsterdam. PepsiCo also believes in the buddy system. This is when a company teams up new employees with old employees so that they can help them around the company until they get the hang of things. 4. Grubhub The food delivery app GrubHub has been going strong for a long time. It’s no surprise that they are so successful. Grubhub has an excellent introductory video that answers all questions any potential employees might have. It’s not long, has all the information needed, and keeps your attention. Their onboarding process involves an introductory video for new hires and potential applicants. With more businesses going fully online, we will certainly be seeing more introductory videos like this for employees soon. 5. Vodafone A telecom giant that employs people worldwide surely understands the importance of a great onboarding experience. While other companies have complex frameworks and documentation, Vodafone created its employee onboarding application. Vodafone knows what they want from their onboarding process and designed it themselves from the ground up. Vodafone has created an app, that guides their new employees through the onboarding process. In the app, new applications fill in the required information, before they are greeted with all the important information regarding working at Vodafone. Vodafone is also proud of its employee ambassador projects. Employee ambassador projects are when a company encourages employees to promote their brand or product. Vodafone UK launched their Go Social project for employees who would like to share Vodafone-related content on social media. Employees can even submit their content for approval. There are plenty of other ways you can use ambassador programs for your onboarding programs and general business. 6. Verisys When the Covid pandemic hit, many companies found themselves in a difficult position. They would not be able to close the doors but needed to find ways to keep the workforce productive and communicating. Remote working would be the solution for most businesses. Working remotely presented plenty of problems since many employees might not have the correct equipment or know how to use remote work software. Verisys created video tutorials for their workforce to help them set up their computers and workspace correctly for remote work. Verisys also made sure that any equipment needed was delivered to employees’ homes. They even sent out a welcome package to any new employees. 7.Google Google is a massive company with over 130,000 people working for them across the world. Running a company this big takes a lot of managerial prowess. Google’s workaround to introducing new employees into their massive work family is quite simple. They keep up to date with their new employees by engaging with them. Google will remind employees of their goals and the steps they need to take to get to them. Obviously, they won’t want you going from zero to a hundred immediately, but little constant, funny reminders of your goals are a great way to stay engaged with your employees, as well as boost their productivity. These reminders are split between gentle, timely, relevant, and easy to execute. Google is also a fan of using employee referrals when it comes to finding recruits. They would constantly keep in touch with employees about new positions and whether they know any people that might fit the role. 8. Apple Apple is no stranger to finding interesting approaches regarding its onboarding process. New employees are gifted a welcome package and a “class of” shirt, which acts as a reminder of when you started working at the company. What makes their approach more interesting is what’s included in the welcome gift. All Apple employees are given a brand-new MacBook, which sounds like a dream come true! But, there’s a catch. The MacBooks gifted have not been set up at all. New employees will have to ask other staff members for help, as well as their skill set to get everything they need working on their brand-new MacBook. It’s a great way to motivate new employees to ask for help, as well as a challenge with a clear end goal that is achievable in a short period. 9. Quora Quora is a big believer in the “buddy system.” The Q&A website assigns a current employee to mentor a new employee for a set period. Mentors are usually the best of the best in their field. New employees will then shadow their mentors, as well as be able to seek help whenever they have questions. It might lower the productivity of one of your professionals since they will have to be mentoring a new employee, but getting a new employee up to speed faster using a mentor is better than a new employee taking over a month just to settle in. 10. Monday.com Workflow management software company Monday.com believes in innovation and it shows, not only in their excellent software but also in their onboarding practices. Monday.com uses a program named CRM for HR professionals. Digging a little deeper into this program, you’ll find an excellent online platform that has been developed with new employees in mind. The HR department can use the software to customize an onboarding template that fulfills all the needs and questions any new employee might have with engaging activities, checklists, and task boards. 11. Buffer Buffer is a social media tool used by companies to post any of their business analytics like profits, overheads, and even the salaries of their employees. The coolest thing about Buffer though is the fact that it has been working remotely since its inception. New employees work under a 45-day contract first, before being fully employed by the company. During this “boot camp” stage, employees’ performances are measured, before they are hired. Buffer did get rid of this system, due to many employees feeling unmotivated or a lack of involvement. Like many other companies, Buffer now offers a guide to new employees through a set of introductory emails. 12. Zapier Zapier has over 350 employees working across the world. Their fully remote operation could be problematic, but Zapier has systems in place to make things work. Mainly engagement. Working remotely can be stressful since it can be difficult to get in touch with other employees immediately if you need help. Zapier has a full week of initiation for new employees. During this time, employees will be provided all the tools and software needed to be successful, as well as learn the main roles of their positions and how they fit within the company. 13. Jooble For the past year, Jooble has been making use of a hybrid model for its workplace. To make accommodations for this new form, Jooble had to change their onboarding process to not only work offline but online as well. Jooble believes that the best onboarding systems consist of creating a safe environment for new employees, where errors aren’t looked down upon, and they can learn stress-free. They also assign new employees a buddy for guidance. They also strongly believe in respecting each other and creating an atmosphere in the workplace where no one thinks better or higher of themselves. For online employees, the onboarding process looks a little different. Employees are sent a welcome letter before their first day, with tasks that they will be expected to do during their first work day. Jooble also believes in employee feedback. New employees will be asked for feedback on the first day, the end of their first month, and after the trial period. Get recruiting today A company's onboarding process determines whether they keep quality employees with experience, or suffer a string of miserable employees who leave before a year. Hopefully, these tips and examples will set your company on the right track when it comes to onboarding processes. Try WorkmatesInteractive Demo Click through it yourself withinteractive demo. Try It Now About the Author: This article is written by a marketing team member at LIKE.TG. LIKE.TG is a leading provider of proven HR solutions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee communications & engagement, and rewards & recognition. Our user-friendly software increases employee productivity, delivers time and cost savings, and minimizes compliance risk
13 Tips for Remote Employee Onboarding
It can be tough to onboard new employees, particularly if they’re remote. They can't just pop into the office for a meeting, and you can't always quickly bring them up to speed on all the company's goings-on. But with a little effort, you can make the process smooth for both the employee and your team. Several tools and technologies can help make the onboarding process easier for you and your new employee. For example, video conferencing software like Skype or Zoom can be used for virtual training and tours. And there are many online tools, such as Google Drive, that can be used for collaboration and sharing documents. In addition to taking advantage of these tools, you can make the onboarding process smoother and more efficient with the following guide, designed to help you get started. 1. Have a remote work policy If you're going to be onboarding remote employees regularly, it's important to have a remote work policy in place. This should outline your expectations for how employees will conduct themselves while working remotely and what you expect from them regarding communication and collaboration. Having a clear policy will help make the onboarding process smoother and ensure everyone is on the same page from the start. And it starts in the hiring process: In your application, ask candidates what aspects of remote work appeal to them. Ask them to describe their preferred working style, communication style, and technical skills. If a candidate responds that they do not enjoy the isolation of remote work, you may want to move on. 2. Send equipment and a welcome package beforehand Few things will frustrate both you and your new employee more than having them spend the first few working days ironing out technical difficulties. So, ahead of time, order all necessary hardware they’ll need and have it delivered to their home. Here are some items to consider, depending on the requirements of the position: Laptop or desktop computer Monitor Keyboard and mouse Headset or earphones Webcam Printer/scanner External hard drive or USB drives Phone or VOIP equipment Charging accessories and power strips When it comes to software, if what employees need isn’t cloud-based, ensure it's pre-installed on their device. Include passwords, usernames, and any other security information needed so remote hires can easily get up and running. Suppose you are working on many different online marketing tools. In that case, putting together a list of recommended tools for your new employee may be helpful. Or if you’re working with a project management tool, ensure that their accounts are already set up in advance, and they’ll have access from day one. Additionally, making remote employees feel welcome can help embed them into your organization and feel like they’re part of the team. One idea is to send a welcome package with things like: Welcome letter from the CEO or team leader Company swag such as T-shirts, mugs, notebooks, or pens Employee handbook Snack box with an assortment of treats and snacks to enjoy while working Tech accessories like USB flash drive, ergonomic mouse pads, or laptop stands Gift cards for coffee or online retailers Virtual event pass to an upcoming online workshop or team-building event Desk plant to brighten up their home office space 3. Be prepared with virtual onboarding materials Gather all your onboarding materials and make digital copies as part of your remote onboarding program. You may also want to mail them a physical copy along with their welcome package. Here’s a list of things you’ll want to include: For all employees: Mission, vision, and values Organizational charts Employee directories Communication procedures (how and when to use email, video calls, and chat) Tutorials for commonly used tools Security standards Templates for standard documents (presentations, email invitations, sales follow-up emails, etc.) For marketing: Lead qualification criteria Content style guide Blog and SEO best practices For sales: CRM contact information standards How to order business cards Travel and expense procedures For software developers: How to set up a development environment Codebase Development processes Architecture standards You can help employees track their progress by making videos of everything that they need to learn in modules. Or you can set up a video call so that they’re able to ask questions on anything they don’t understand and managers can easily answer them on the spot. Creating these learning modules might be a bit difficult, but you can contract a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) to create learning modules for any job position. 4. Leverage existing technology and tools Use video conferencing or online team meetings to ensure a smooth transition. Companies onboarding remote employees can greatly benefit from leveraging technology and platforms such as Zoom for virtual meetings, Slack for communication, Asana for project management, LIKE.TG for HR software, and Microsoft Teams for collaboration and document sharing. For example, you can use Microsoft Teams to welcome your new team member, outline their responsibilities, and offer support. And some apps, such as Donut, allow employees to chat with a company representative through the internet. Onboarded employees can also receive useful information about company resources, such as knowledge bases, training software portals, and cheat sheets 5. Let new hires know what to expect Working from home can be a brand new experience to most. Ensure everyone understands what's expected of them during the remote onboarding process. What information do they need? Whom will they be meeting with? What tools do they need to be successful? You can avoid confusion and frustration later on by getting everyone on the same page from the start. This is also a good time to set expectations for communication. Will you use email, Slack, video conferencing, or a combination of all three? Let your new employee know how you prefer to communicate and the best way to reach you. 6. Set up a dedicated onboarding space If possible, set up a dedicated space for their remote onboarding process. This gives them a place to go where they can find all the information they need in one spot. It can be as simple as a folder in your company's shared drive or an intranet page with links to all the relevant documents. Having a dedicated space also makes it easy for you to keep track of your new employee's progress. You can quickly see what they've read and what still needs to be covered. As your business grows, it might be a good idea to consider tools to help during this process. LIKE.TG’s employee Onboard platform can help to automate a lot of the repetitive tasks that build up as you get the hang of remote onboarding. Download Our Free New Employee Orientation Checklist! Download Now 7. Use self-onboarding checklists Self-onboarding checklists are an effective tool for streamlining the onboarding process of remote employees, ensuring they complete all necessary steps. These checklists should include tasks like setting up company email accounts, completing required paperwork, reviewing company policies and procedures, and accessing necessary software and tools. Additionally, the checklist can guide new hires through introductory training modules, schedule their first team meetings, and prompt them to set up virtual meet-and-greets with key team members. 8. Introduce them to the team members One of the challenges of remote work is feeling like you're part of the team. So take some time to introduce your new employee to everyone on the team, even if it's just through a quick email or video call. If possible, set up regular virtual coffee chats or happy hours so they can get to know their colleagues in a more informal setting. You can also give them the company’s organization chart so that they do not have a hard time trying to remember who is who. 9. Give them a virtual tour If your company has a physical office, give your new employee a virtual tour so they can see where their team members work and what the space looks like. If you don't have an office, you can still give them a tour of your company's website, intranet, or social media channels. Make them feel like they're part of the team by showing them around and introducing them to everyone they'll be working with, even if it's just virtually. Always make an effort to have your camera on to create a warm face to face feeling when giving the tour. Click Trough an Onboarding Process Click through our interactive demo to see how LIKE.TG makes onboarding easy. Try It Now 10. Assign a buddy One way to help your new employee feel welcome is to assign them a buddy. This should be someone who's been with the company for a while and knows the ropes. They can answer your new employee's questions and help them feel comfortable in their new role. A workplace mentor can provide initial guidance and help eliminate the anxiety many new remote employees experience. Moreover, use video coffee chats and other ice-breaker activities to break the ice. 11. Provide training and resources As part of the onboarding program, provide your new employee with all the training sessions and resources they need to be successful in their role. An onboarding training session should entail a thorough introduction to the company culture, key policies, and job-specific skills, along with interactive elements like Q&A sessions, practical exercises, and opportunities to meet and engage with team members and key department leads. The goal is to set them up for success by providing everything they need to hit the ground running and make sure you’re both on the same page once their onboarding plan is complete. 12. Encourage communication and feedback Working remotely makes it easy to feel like you're out of sight and out of mind. To avoid this, schedule regular check-ins with your new employee. This gives you a chance to see how they're doing, answer any questions they may have, and give feedback on their progress. You should also be open to getting feedback from your employees. This helps you figure out problems and come up with solutions. Feedback will show you places where your new employees have problems. There are different ways in which you can collect feedback from your new employees. You can use surveys, meetings, or performance tracking software. Check-ins also allow your new employee to bring up any concerns or issues they may be having. By addressing these early on, you can help them feel more comfortable in their role and prevent any potential problems down the road. You can also ask them to turn on their video during conference meetings to make them settle in properly so you become aware of their onboarding experience. Since employees are not able to meet face to face, online meetings and daily communication are essential in team building and creating healthy remote team relationships. 13. Give them room to grow Finally, remember that your new employee is still learning and growing into their role. They may make some mistakes along the way, but that's okay. What's important is that you give them the space to learn and grow.Encourage them to ask questions, try new things, and take risks. This will help them become even more successful in their role and feel like they're truly part of the team. “As soon as we saw LIKE.TG’s Onboard demo, we knew this was the perfect solution for us. We loved that it was extremely simple and powerful out of the box, but that we could customize it with advanced capabilities to make it work in our company setting.” Elisa Garn Vice President, HR and Talent Christopherson Business Travel Learn More About Author: This article is written by our marketing team at LIKE.TG. LIKE.TG is dedicated to providing powerful solutions for your HR teams and creating an exceptional employee experience. Our aim is to help your company improve employee engagement, onboarding, and to save you valuable time!
14 Ways to Enhance Employee Experience
Companies have believed people need to work for them to put bread on the table. However, the world is changing - and doing it fast. There are many options for people to earn money and pay their bills with technological advancements. What’s more, businesses are continually competing for top talent. That means it’s more about whether your company is good enough for employees and not the other way around. It’s a good idea to have this perspective if you want to enhance employee experience in 2022. We compiled a list of 14 ways to improve the employee experience to help you attract and retain skilled employees, boosting your business’ overall profitability. Why Is Employee Engagement Vital for Employee Experience? Employee engagement can be a vital determining factor in how successful the company is overall. The level of engagement within your organization is the best indicator for employee experience, joy, and sense of belonging. It helps control everything from your levels of staff retention and absenteeism to customer satisfaction and how profitable your business is. Why Is Employee Experience Important? Today, employees are looking for purposeful work rather than employment just for earning. They desire a meaningful employee experience. Purposeful work contributes both to individual growth and the company and community. Your company culture reflects your sense of purpose and can significantly impact your employee’s experience. Great employee experience positively influences employee productivity as it simplifies everyday tasks. It makes it easier and more enjoyable for employees to work. Engaging experience will reflect on their work because they’ll be more motivated to do their job right. Benefits of Creating a Great Employee Experience Higher engagement and productivity: A positive employee experience results in higher levels of engagement and productivity. They are more devoted to work and the company. That leads to more favorable business results and enhanced individual well-being. Lower employee turnover: Engaged and satisfied workers stay longer, whereas unhappy employees tend to leave the company or be absent more often. That impacts employee morale, productivity, expenses, and brand image. Improved customer experience: An excellent employee experience can motivate employees to be assertive and innovative, taking charge of their duties and doing their best to deliver a great customer experience. Job satisfaction: Employees with good employee experiences will be satisfied with their jobs and proactively contribute to the company instead of half-heartedly. The chances of exhaustion will be lower, influencing better employee well-being and work-life balance. Talent attraction and retention: Top Recruiting Agencies are competing with each other to attract and retain the best talent. Individuals with the required skills can be picky. So, when a company finds a talent, they want to keep it. Good employee experience is often the element that keeps such employees. Favorable business results: A great employee experience ultimately results in profitable business results. The more you invest in your workforce, the more they give you in return. 1. Simple Application Process Employee experience begins when they are applying for a job. When searching for a job, employees are already juggling between job portals. That’s why having a fuss-free application process makes hiring simpler Adding diversity into your application process will help prevent biases. Also, the interface should be mobile-friendly. Clear messaging can improve your employer’s brand and image and show that you desire to help potential employees and simplify filling forms. 2. Purposeful and Useful Onboarding A great first impression can deliver a positive experience for individuals joining your company and influence them to stay long term. Offering training is a vital element in successful onboarding as your employees may need some tuning before they settle, even though they have the desired skills. You’ll also want to integrate new employees with the team, especially remote workers. You can set up a session online or in-person so they can get to know their colleagues and understand the dynamics, vision, and goals of your company. 3. Assign Mentors New employees may feel confused and unsure how to communicate with their team and leaders during their first days. It’s crucial to take active measures to prevent that. Assigning mentors can help them understand their role and adapt better, leading to enhanced communication and the free exchange of ideas. 4. Survey Your Employees Most companies don’t have a strong sense of their employees’ experiences, and employees feel HR doesn’t understand their needs. To prevent that, you need to implement an effective employee survey. You can do that by asking your employees to weigh in more frequently and create open-ended questions for qualitative answers. Have your employees rank their priorities and needs. It’s vital to plan how to survey results and be transparent. You can only enhance employee experience if you take active measures to tackle the issues and stay accountable to your team. 5. Use an Employee Engagement Technology Technology dedicated to increasing engagement will be the foundation of an employee listening strategy and impact the employee experience. Collecting feedback from your workers and analyzing it to measure the employee experience will show what needs to change and how to do it. 6. Support the Needs of Parents The needs of working parents are often ignored. Parents are at greater risk of leaving their jobs because of high exhaustion levels and the need for flexibility. Your policies will impact how well parents can perform at work and feel like part of the team. To enhance employee experience, minimizing their stress is a great starting point. To do that, you’ll need to consider parental policies, such as implementing paid parental leave for new parents and offering sufficient support as new parents transition to leave. Flexible working hours are another thing to consider to keep the parents satisfied and working. Recognizing and respecting their caring duties is also vital. 7. Help Employees Advance in Their Career Career growth and professional learning are among the top trends for job seekers in 2022. With “The Great Resignation,” you can’t afford to lose top employees. Developing an effective internal employer branding strategy, and using an external help of branding agency ,is important for the positive reputation of your company.The right software can support more engaging management training and upskilling sessions. However, learning and growth happen in everyday work experiences too. The more you support employees’ wish to learn and improve with resources, projects, and feedback, the more satisfied they will be. Performance reviews can help employees boost their skills and level up their careers. They want continuous feedback that adds to their achievements. An excellent performance management system can help both employees and employers. The employee can get the chance to improve their skills or learn new ones, while the employer can track the employee’s performance and show him how to advance. 8. Foster Authenticity Authenticity is more than displays of personality on your employee app. An authentic workplace will accept the events occurring in the employees’ lives, whether good or bad. A workplace that prioritizes employee experience will see each employee as a person rather than a number and celebrate the good while offering support during challenging times. With new technology, companies can know what’s happening in the lives of their workers and reach out from a human angle instead of a corporate. 9. Team-Building Team-building activities can significantly enhance the employee experience. Ice-breaking sessions help reduce stress, taking pressure off of employees. It fosters teamwork and supports relationships between colleagues and leaders. 10. Empower Your Employees Some managers became micromanagers thanks to the fear that employees would take advantage of remote and hybrid work during the pandemic. However, excessive check-ins lead to lower engagement and productivity, so it’s essential to shift to employee empowerment and autonomy. In hybrid and virtual work, that doesn’t mean taking an uninvolved approach. It means managers need to ask about employee passions, needs, and engagement. It also means providing resources for collaboration and creative problem-solving. Making space for employee ideas and feedback is also a great way of empowering your workers. When they feel empowered to do their job with more freedom, your entire team wins while your company culture changes for the better. 11. Acknowledge and Appreciate Your Employees Source Humans need to feel appreciated for their hard work. Your employees feel good about themselves when you recognize them for their work, and it makes them think they are significantly contributing and making a difference to the company. That makes them want to deliver more and feel inspired to accomplish their goals and stay with the company. Social recognition is the way to enable that. It’s a fast and continuous credit exchange between colleagues and leaders, making the employee journey unique and meaningful. 12. Effective Communication Effective communication is the essential factor for delivering an engaging employee experience. You’ll want to focus on clear communication to help minimize and resolve conflicts among employees. That way, they become more engaged and loyal to the company. However, your employee communications shouldn’t be dull or bland, but light when possible. Allow your workers to show their personalities. That way, you’ll help them get to know their peers and make the workplace a more attractive place to be in, whether remotely or in person. 13. Exit Interviews Sometimes it will happen that an employee leaves. And although you can’t help it, you can find out why they left by conducting exit interviews. That way, you can get more insight into employees’ experiences, understand the work culture, how other employees behave, and other issues. When an employee decides to leave, he can offer you constructive criticism about the reason for leaving the job. 14. Listen, Understand, and Respond to your Employees Instead of only focusing on periodic engagement surveys, genuinely listen to your employees and understand where you can gain more personal, real-time feedback. Once you know that, act on it and update your workers on how you’ve resolved highlighted issues. The Bottom Line After reading this article, you understand how and why creating a great employee experience will not only ensure you attract and retain top talent but also boost your company’s bottom line. Long gone is the time when work and only work was more important than employee’s well-being and needs. In 2022, people value themselves and their time. They don’t want to be corporate slaves. They desire to be understood and connected as humans. Acknowledge them and appreciate their work. That way, they’ll feel a sense of belonging and give their best. Author Bio: Melissa Gray is a freelance writer and an organizational psychologist. Her focus is primarily on marketing and new digital trends across the world. She is also a passionate gamer, with special interest in narrative design. She writes for Digital Strategy One.
15 Amazing Tools to Scale Employee Collaboration
In any business, there are tasks which involve different teams and external stakeholders. Most times, such tasks can run simultaneously. Managing such tasks via email and over the phone is not only difficult and time-consuming; it also leaves open the possibility of everyone not being on the same page. Add to that, in a post-COVID world where employees often work remotely, it has become essential for organizations to invest in an efficient employee collaboration tool. While it is easy to acknowledge the need for an employee collaboration tool like an employee app, it is quite difficult to choose products that can effectively scale up the collaboration amongst employees. Depending on your business, you may need tools that provide video calling, group access controls, bookkeeping reports, and software integrations. In fact, you may very well need more than one tool to arrive at an appropriate solution. Let’s look at 15 amazing tools you can consider for scaling up employee collaboration. Workmates Workmates by LIKE.TG is a powerful intranet platform that helps boost employee engagement using announcements, rewards, and recognition. Management and HR professionals love the built-in analytics and reporting which allows you to easily see metrics related to onboarding, collaboration, and ROI. The collaboration metrics in Workmates let you see how employees work together. You can also integrate 3rd party analytics to gain even more insights. Pros: Great onboarding and support make it possible to get up and running in a matter of days. Cons: There are many features and options so administration may seem overwhelming for some. Slack Communication is one of the most important aspects of collaboration, and there is hardly any application out there that does it better than Slack. Often touted by its fans as the best messaging app for businesses, this powerful application can serve as a full-fledged collaboration tool for companies of disparate sizes. From early-stage start-ups and small businesses to some of the largest companies in the world; Slack today commands a loyal user base that swears by its expansive range of features. From video calls to instant messaging to file sharing and task management, Slack covers nearly every basic collaboration feature you might think of. However, what makes Slack so popular with its user base is its capacity to integrate different tools and create workflows. The Slack App directory boasts of over 2200 apps to integrate different platforms in quick time. For example, if you want your entire marketing team to know how your Twitter feed is performing, you can just integrate it with a Slack channel and everyone on the team can view live updates and share their views on any post. Pros: One of the best collaboration tools in the market. Easy to use, and fit for everyone. Cons: Not much unless you end up creating multiple redundant conversation channels. Microsoft Teams The Redmond based software giant first introduced Microsoft Teams in 2017 with an eye on making a mark with its existing enterprise clients who were running Office 365. The tool has become increasingly popular with the general public who have lapped up its free edition. The application offers a robust collaboration tool with features for video calling, screen sharing, integration with Outlook calendar, and effective features for document management especially in conjunction with SharePoint. Teams is a great option for businesses including enterprises that already run applications from Microsoft. For example, a user who is running Outlook can seamlessly integrate with this sophisticated platform and plan Teams meetings from right inside Outlook itself. Pros: Great for enterprise users and firms using Microsoft 365 Cons: Not an ideal solution for small teams and has limitations related to numbers of channels, permission settings etc. Twist For those of you who prefer structured conversations, Twist comes across as a great collaboration tool. The application sports an uncluttered look and uses a thread-based message system for managing communication and tasks amongst team members. It offers comprehensive video calling features and comes equipped with features like channels and message search. Pros: Simple to use, offers a more laid back approach to collaboration. Cons: Does not offer detailed workflow and automation features Trello If you are looking for an absolutely easy-to-use collaboration tool that does basic collaboration tasks quite well then Trello can be a great choice. The application builds on the concept of the Kanban method of work management wherein you utilize poster boards and sticky notes to manage to-do lists. It works exceptionally well for small firms and simple projects but is not really suited for complex activities. Trello offers Power-ups to extend its functionality and add features like Automation, Charting features, etc. Pros: Ease to use, lightweight application, free for small teams Cons: Not suited for complex tasks, very limited project and employee management and communication features. Wire With a focus on enterprise customers, Wire offers a highly secure collaboration platform that is protected by end-to-end encryption. Some of the features it sports include secure guest rooms, file sharing, video conferencing, etc. If you want, you can choose to deploy the application on your own servers or even on a private cloud. Pros: Highly secure platform fit for enterprise use Cons: Not suited for small teams, limited feature range Bitrix 24 If you are looking at a collaboration tool with a full-fledged CRM and elements of a marketing suite then you should look no further than Bitrix24. It’s a powerful platform that is suitable for businesses of any size and integrates several solutions into one platform. As opposed to most collaboration tools which tend to run from the cloud, this platform can also be hosted on your own servers. Pros: Exceptional marketing and collaboration platform suited for enterprise and large firms. Cons: Small teams can get lost in its sea of functionality. Nifty Often regarded as one of the best project management tools in the market, Nifty has over time emerged as a great collaboration tool. It boasts of an array of communication and scheduling features including meetings, chats, and calendar options. It further allows you to integrate different apps and extend the functionality of the tool. For example, you can link up your Zoom account with Nifty and initiate calls right of project discussions or even direct messages. Pros: Excellent document sharing and collaboration options, exceptional project management, and time tracking tools Cons: Resource heavy, not suited for small teams. Does not offer a free edition. Flock If you are looking at a comprehensive communication solution at a reasonable cost the Flock application comes across as a robust solution. It encompasses an array of features like project management, video conferencing, workflows, and integration with other platforms. In some ways, it mirrors the feature set offered by Slack but at a lower price point. In fact, the free starter package of Flock is exceptionally good with reasonable limitations. Pros: Good for small teams, cost-effective over more established competitors like Slack Cons: The tool lacks sophistication in many aspects like notifications, file sharing, etc. Chanty Chanty combines a host of advanced communication and collaboration features in one neat package. It offers you an easy-to-use interface, team spaces, and powerful video calling features at rock bottom prices. Add to that it has a forever free plan which is exceedingly popular with small teams, individuals, and freelancers who find the software convenient for most of their needs. Pros: Free and Low-cost pricing options. Great for small teams and start-ups Cons: Lacks the capability to handle complex projects Zoho Cliq Designed to handle collaboration in a structured manner, Zoho Cliq comes loaded with a host of features like video conferencing, real-time chat, calendar management, channels for teams etc. The tool supports integration with other Zoho products and offers support for slash commands and SSL encryption. Pros: Easy to use, attractive pricing, ideal tool for existing customers of Zoho products Cons: Limited features for task management. Asana Counted amongst one of the finest workflow management tools in vogue today, Asana boasts of a range of collaboration features like project conversations, task comments, and support for rich text. It allows integration with video tools like Zoom that can then directly be initiated from its meeting options. The application offers convenient features for file sharing, team management, and task management, etc. Pros: Great for Overall collaboration and Project Management. Offer integrations with a range of popular tools. Can be used in specialized tasks such as lead generation, event management, etc. Cons: Communication features are slightly limited unlike some Asana alternatives that offers more team workflow collaboration tools. Cisco Webex Considered amongst one of the earliest employee collaboration and video conferencing tool ever introduced for the web, Cisco Webex continues to find a loyal user base amongst enterprise clients and large firms. For over two decades some of the largest companies in the world have relied on this venerable product to manage team meetings across different locations. The application now boasts of a range of features like screen sharing, whiteboards, options to create spaces for different teams, etc. Pros: Great tool for enterprise with focus on video conferencing Cons: Limited features, legacy design issues Zulip If you are looking at an open-source collaboration tool that is easy to use and offers a forever free plan, then Zulip would come across as an ideal choice. The application is completely open-source and you can host it on your own server too. It is ideal for small teams, especially those who are technically savvy and can work with the integrations offered by the platform. Pros: Open Source, comes with a forever free plan Cons: Limited features, not suited for enterprise use. Missive Missive is an innovative collaboration platform suited for start-ups and companies focusing on a lot of social interaction. It offers you the flexibility to integrate social channels such as Twitter and Facebook along with email into a one comprehensive dashboard view. The tool is a boon for marketing teams looking to quickly manage their tasks and improve response times. The application offers integration options with popular tools and offers support for automation. Pros: Easy to use, ideal for tracking marketing activities, sales, and lead generation activities Cons: Not suited for enterprise or complex workflow management tasks A Few Last Words At times you may need to find the right mix of tools based on your budget and business goals. It makes sense to try out free editions or trial versions of all collaboration tools to shortlist before making a purchase decision. Tools by themselves can only do so much and it is critical for teams to invest in products that work for them.
15 Best Issue Tracking Software Systems for 2024
Issue tracking software is commonly used in an organization’s customer support to create, update, and resolve reported client issues, or even problems reported by an organization’s employees.The best issue tracking software is the one that fits the needs of the organization. It should be easy to use and flexible enough to adapt to the organization’s processes.In this article, we’ll delve into the leading software solutions for issue tracking, an incredibly useful tool for any project. Additionally, we’ll discuss the many benefits it offers. What is issue tracking software?Issue tracking software is a type of program that helps organizations manage and maintain lists of customer issues, such as bugs, glitches, errors, and other problems.It is primarily used by businesses and organizations to record, report, and monitor customer issues that arise during the course of their operations.These systems help companies improve their productivity, ensure efficient task management, and deliver high-quality products or services by efficiently dealing with problems.15 Top issue tracking software to overviewIssue tracking software has been shown to be a crucial tool for managing projects, regardless of size. It offers users a structured system to supervise and record progress.Let’s explore some of the leading software solutions that can assist businesses in excelling at customer service in 2023.1. LIKE.TGThe LIKE.TG issue tracking software is a comprehensive customer service instrument that manages the entire ticket lifecycle, from ticket creation to receiving customer responses about the provided solutions.It empowers businesses to swiftly respond to customer inquiries, monitor progress, and consolidate all information in one location.Each issue generated can include comments from other team members and attachments, if required.This issue tracker’s user-friendly interface enables easy topic searches or the addition of new topics free from clutter.LIKE.TG offers custom apps and integrates third-party systems that add more detail to a problem, aiding in a more effective resolution.This tool provides a customer portal software and an abundance of features that assists customers in communication, collaboration, monitoring and submitting tickets via a user-friendly interface.Teams can tailor the issue tracking software according to their needs, with an option to include custom fields and workflows.Top featuresRobust ticketing routing systemKnowledge base softwareIntegrationsReports and analyticsEffective automationsTeam collaborationCustomizable and expandable intuitive interfaceArtificial intelligenceMultichannel supportCustom fieldsAutomated workflowsCustom SLAsPricingThere are two categories for LIKE.TG’s pricing plans:Agent-Based plans:Scale: $25 for 3 agents/monthGrowth: $50 for 3 agents/monthEnterprise: $75 for 3 agents/monthUnlimited Agents plans:Essential: $799 per monthPro: $1499 per monthBusiness: Contact usShould you require help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the LIKE.TG support team. Alternatively, you can start a 15-day free trial or arrange a live demo.2. ZendeskZendesk is problem-solving software that gathers all your company’s customer tickets in a single location. It enables you to manage, evaluate, and resolve problems to ensure customer satisfaction.It provides a single, dynamic interface where all customer interactions are consolidated, essentially allowing you to juggle multiple tasks without bungling them.PricingZendesk offers a free plan.Premium plans: commencing at $19 per agent/monthly.3. ClickUpClickUp is a highly rated productivity and issue tracking tool utilized by efficient teams in both small and large firms.This customer service project management software enables your teams to achieve optimal outcomes for customer retention.It is an ideal choice for issue tracking if you and your team are familiar with project management tools.This fully cloud-based tool offers a plethora of features that aid in communication, collaboration, task assignment, task status tracking, alert setting, and much more.ClickUp’s activity stream presents tasks in real time, enabling you to see them as they are created and completed.PricingDo not offer free plan.Unlimited: $5 per user/month.Business: $12 per user/month.Business Plus: $19 per user/month.4. GitHub IssuesGitHub Issues, a widely used issue tracking software, is integrated into the GitHub code repository platform.It is frequently used by software development teams to identify and solve issues in software code.GitHub provides all the necessary features of a ticket tracker system with the added advantage of flexibility to adapt to your preferred way of working.It has numerous features for issue tracking such as breaking down issues into manageable tasks, creating boards and tables, collaborating using Markdown, and more.Teams can even customize the issue tracking software to suit their needs, with options to include custom fields and workflows.However, GitHub’s downside might be its steep learning curve. While developers familiar with GitHub can easily navigate the platform, those new to it might find the multitude of features overwhelming.Nevertheless, GitHub’s utility for developers means it can facilitate collaboration across engineering and customer service functions.PricingGitHub offers a free plan.Team: $4 per user/month.Enterprise: $21 per user/month.5. LiveAgentLiveAgent is a potent issue tracking application designed to streamline and manage customer service problems.It empowers businesses to swiftly respond to customer inquiries, monitor progress, and consolidate all information in one location.The software also allows for chat window customization, intelligent management of chat traffic, automated greetings, and more.PricingDo not offer free plan.Ticket: $15 per user/month.Ticket + Chat: $29 per user/month.All-inclusive: $49 per user/month.6. FreshdeskFreshdesk is a suitable choice if you want to improve your internal or external support operations with an omnichannel solution that enables tracking, recording, and customer issue management.It’s particularly targeted at smaller businesses, given its affordable prices and user-friendly interface.An additional advantage of Freshdesk is the Freshworks Academy, which eases the task of training your agents on the new system.PricingDo not offer free plan.Growth: $18 per user/month.Pro: $59 per user/month.Enterprise: $95 per user/month.7. Jira SoftwareJira Software is a specialized issue management tool that efficiently bridges your engineering and support teams on any development issues.It has the essential features required to elevate and connect tickets in your integrated support system or within Jira itself.Jira assists teams in planning, delegating, monitoring, overseeing, and reporting tasks.It serves as a unifying platform for teams, catering to an extensive range of needs, from Agile software development and customer support to the requirements of small businesses and large corporations.PricingJira offers a free plan.Premium plans: beginning at $7.75 per user/monthly.8. Hubspot Service Desk HubHubspot Service Desk Hub is an issue tracking software that aids businesses in managing and tracking customer queries and issues.It includes features like ticketing, live chat, and automation to streamline customer service processes. It also provides tools for measuring customer satisfaction and tracking agent performance.PricingOffers free trial.Advanced features starting from $20 per user/month.9. TeamSupportTeamSupport is a versatile issue tracking system specifically designed for business-to-business companies to enhance customer support.Besides assisting in tracking reported problems, it also provides quick solutions.It is highly customizable, with options for custom fields, workflows, and rules, allowing you to seamlessly integrate it into your existing processes.PricingDo not offer free plan.Essential: $49 per user/month.Enterprise: $69 per user/month.Complete customer: $119 per user/month.10. HappyFoxHappyFox is reputable issue tracking software designed to assist your team in creating swift and flawless issue resolution processes.It doubles as a help desk with extensive customer service functionalities, equipped with features aimed at enhancing service delivery and reducing staff cost.HappyFox categorizes tickets according to their type, urgency, and status. It enables the collection and analysis of customer feedback to identify areas that need improvement.PricingDo not offer free plan.Starts at $39 per user/month.11. SysAidSysAid Help Desk ranks among the top in simple issue tracker software.It ensures the seamless management of customer support queries, allowing you to efficiently track issues, thereby enabling you to meet support service expectations.It is an excellent choice for businesses seeking a streamlined, user-friendly issue tracking application.Its perceptive user interface makes it easy to log new issues or access existing ones swiftly. The system can be customized to meet the individual needs of your business.PricingSysAid offers a free trial.The website does not display paid plans, but they can be obtained via inquiry.12. WrikeWrike is a project management tool equipped with features for handling tasks, collaborating with teams, and reporting.This project management software solution, which is based in the cloud, is aimed at optimizing project workflows.This comprehensive platform is structured to aid in managing projects, organizing work, improving collaboration, and speeding up execution across all departments.PricingWrike offers a free plan.Paid plans start at $9.80 per user/month.13. Zoho BugTrackerZoho BugTracker is a straightforward, potent tool for tracking issues. It is a system for tracking bugs that alerts customer service representatives when new problems are reported or updates are made.This bug tracking tool allows you to design a customized interface that caters to the requirements of both your team and your customers.A key advantage of BugTracker is its flawless integration with other Zoho suite products, like Zoho Desk. This allows support teams to effortlessly submit customer tickets through BugTracker and monitor their status and team up with engineers directly from Zoho Desk.PricingZoho offers a free plan for a maximum of ten users.Premium plans commencing from $3 per user/month.14. NuclinoNuclino is a collaborative workspace and knowledge sharing platform for teams.It allows users to create, organize, and collaborate in real time on documents, notes, tasks, and projects. You can generate a custom workflow to manage issues.The platform features a simple, intuitive interface and supports various content types such as text, images, files, checklists, and more.There’s a range of ways to organize issues in Nuclino, such as through a nested list, table, or a Kanban board, which allows for the visual representation of progress through drag-and-drop cards.It also offers fields for tracking further details about each issue, including assignee, priority, device type, operating system, etc.PricingFree for the starter plan.Advanced features starting from $5 per user/month.15. RedmineRedmine is an open-source tool for project management and issue tracking, offering features like timeline viewing, Gantt charts, and calendars.Although its interface may seem somewhat old-fashioned and less user-friendly compared to some of its paid counterparts, it packs all the features required for managing projects and monitoring issues.It’s modular, expandable, and multifaceted, with an extensive selection of plugins and themes to customize it.PricingRedmine offers a free plan; however, some plug-ins necessitate payment.Benefits of using issue tracking systemIssue tracking systems are widely used in a range of industries, including IT, software development, manufacturing, and customer service. Here are some of the key advantages of using an issue tracking software:Enhanced efficiency and productivityWith automation features, software can reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, ultimately improving the overall efficiency of the team.Improved customer satisfactionBy resolving issues efficiently and promptly, businesses can improve customer satisfaction and foster stronger relationships with their clients.PrioritizationThe software allows for the prioritization of issues based on their severity, impact, and urgency, ensuring that critical issues are addressed first.ScalabilityIssue tracking software can easily scale as your business grows, handling an increasing number of issues without affecting performance.TransparencyIssue management software provides transparency regarding the status of issues, who is responsible for resolving them, and their expected resolution time.Better organizationThe software allows for better organization of tasks, tracking their progress, and assigning them to the right person, thus reducing confusion and miscommunications.Centralized issue trackingIssue management software allows you to track all issues in one place, making it easier to manage and resolve them.Accurate reportingIssue tracking software comes with reporting features that provide insightful data on issue trends, resolution times, team performance, etc. This can be used for making informed decisions and improving processes.Key features of an issue trackerHigh-quality issue tracking software should have the following features to help your agents deliver smooth, personalized service:AI and automationAI and automation are integral components of issue tracking tools. The AI capability enables the tool to discern intricate patterns in user data, swiftly distinguishing issues from other tasks and workflows.This allows for rapid pinpointing of problem sources.Automation enhances the efficiency of issue tracking and filing by removing manual tasks such as recording every action taken during resolution attempts.Automated alerts can be established to detect problems promptly, reducing any potential disruption or delays in workflow or customer service operations.Applications and integrationsApplications and integrations significantly improve an issue tracker’s efficiency and effectiveness.Applications offer a straightforward and user-friendly method to access vital information such as project status, tasks, and notifications.Integrations enable a more seamless connection with other tools, facilitating a smooth workflow across multiple products or services.These features help users reduce the time spent searching for various work-related information, enabling them to devote more time to task completion.Reporting and analyticsIssue-tracking tools must incorporate analytics and reporting features. These provide users with a clearer perspective of their system’s performance and its progression over time.With reporting, users have the ability to create personalized reports. These can be distributed among stakeholders to improve transparency and collaboration.The data from these reports is essential for planning future projects and making educated decisions about resource distribution to optimize customer issue resolution processes.Analytics provide valuable information about the number of unresolved customer issues, the overall progress in resolving them, and the teams or individuals who are most effective in doing so.Ticket conversation supportThis feature enables users to directly communicate their problems to the software, bypassing much of the manual categorization of issues.Once a problem is logged into the system, ticket conversation support can assist users in providing additional details or evidence that could aid a customer service agent in understanding and addressing the query better.With this feature, users can save time when interacting with customer service agents who might not have all the necessary information.Furthermore, this feature enhances efficiency by automatically assigning categories and tags to each query, reducing manual work for customer service agents in determining the required follow-up steps for resolution.How to choose the right issue tracking softwareIn the end, the perfect issue tracking software for your company is influenced by the nature of your business. Nevertheless, it’s important to consider these essential aspects when selecting your solution.Understand your needsBefore choosing an issue tracking software, you must understand what you need.Are you looking for a system that tracks bugs in software development? Or do you need a system that tracks customer complaints?ScalabilityIssue tracking software is particularly essential for small and medium-sized businesses in managing resources.As a company grows, scalable issue tracking software becomes increasingly beneficial, allowing for more effective planning and resource management.Scalability also enables organizations to fine-tune their processes to handle a growing number of customer issues, ensuring they are resolved swiftly and efficiently.The customer experienceUltimately, the primary function of issue tracking software is to assist you in serving your customers. When choosing software, it’s easy to neglect the customer experience.However, keep in mind that the software can have as much of an impact on your customers as it does on your team.It’s crucial to consider how the software will enhance or sustain customer engagement. The customer experience with issue tracking software boils down to its ease of use and efficiency in task management.These are vital aspects of an excellent user experience.Time to valueThe time-to-value metric in issue tracking software gauges the period an organization needs to witness a return on its investment.It serves as a marker of an organization’s success in choosing and implementing the appropriate solution by evaluating various tangible and intangible benefits over time.Total cost of ownershipEstimating the total cost of ownership for issue tracking software can be challenging, as it ranges from free open-source options to high-end enterprise packages that come with a hefty price tag.The final price can be influenced by various factors, including the number of users, hosting conditions, and the included features.Summary of the top issue tracking software solutionsBelow is a summary of the best issue tracking system:NameFeaturesPricing planLIKE.TGRobust ticketing routing systemKnowledge base softwareIntegrationsReports and analyticsEffective automationsTeam collaborationCustomizable and expandable intuitive interfaceArtificial intelligenceStarts at $12/month/user.ZendeskAgent workspaceTicket routingCollaboration toolsKnowledge managementAnalytics and reportingStarts at $ 19/month/user.ClickUpUnlimited dashboardsUnlimited integrationsTime trackingTagsCustom statuses and task IDsStarts at $5/month/user.GitHub IssuesAudit logCustom issues fieldsStatus checksUnlimited GitHub appsStarts at $4/month/user.LiveAgentCustom tagsCustom portalReportingCustom ticket fieldsAPI and integrationStarts at $15/month/user.FreshdeskAutomationCustom reports and dashboardsKnowledge baseCustom ticket viewsRound-robin routingStarts at $18/month/user.Jira SoftwareWell-developed dashboardsProject managementAudit logsReporting and analyticsAdvanced permissionsStarts at $ 7.75 /month/user.Hubspot Service Desk HubAutomated ticket creationIssue prioritizationReports and analyticsStarts at $20/month/user.TeamSupportIntegrationsIn-ticket collaboration featureAdvanced ticket managementReportsSmart routingStarts at $49/month/user.HappyFoxReportingSmart automationTicket taggingOmnichannel ticketingAsset managementStarts at $39/month/user.SysAidSLA managementAdvanced reports and dashboardsTicket automationAsset managementNot displayed on website.WrikeAutomationShareable dashboardsTask managementCustom fieldsMobile appsStarts at $ 9.80 /month/user.Zoho BugTrackerBugs dashboardCustomizationTime trackingAutomationCollaborationStarts at $ 3/month/user.NuclinoIntegrationsReal-time collaborationAccess restrictionsBoard, list and graph viewsStarts at $5/month/user.RedmineCollaborationGantt chartTimeline viewingCustom fieldsOffers a free plan; however, some plug-ins necessitate payment.Discover the right issue tracking tool for your businessRemember that the best software depends on your specific needs, including the size of your team, your budget, the nature of the issues you’re tracking, and your preferred methodology for managing tasks and projects.Always consider these factors when choosing software.After providing an in-depth review of the best issue tracking software solutions in the market, we believe you now have the essential information to make an informed decision.Related blogs20 Best customer service software solutions for 2023Tips for choosing the right help desk software for your business
15 Customer Appreciation Ideas and Phrases to Say Thank You
Have you ever been appreciated? If yes, what was the feeling? I guess you had the best experience with the appreciation.Customer appreciation gives customers the same feeling.Just to note, customers are not just numbers or sales figures to companies; they are the heartbeat of every business, the reason every business strives for innovation, and the driving force behind every business’s commitment to excellence.Since customers are of such importance, customer appreciation is crucial. This is because customer appreciation is not merely a strategy but a mindset that permeates every aspect of a business.By showing customers that they are valued and appreciated, businesses can build strong, lasting relationships that benefit both the customer and the business itself.Do you know how to appreciate your customers? If not, your quest ends here.In this article, we’ll explain everything on customer appreciation, its importance, and some appreciation ideas and phrases. What is customer appreciation?Customer appreciation refers to the strategies, methods, and actions a company takes to show gratitude towards its customers.This can be done through various activities such as offering special promotions, gifts, discounts, personalized messages, or exclusive events in customer service.The aim of customer appreciation is to express gratitude to customers, strengthen the relationship with them, enhance brand image, and encourage repeat business.Customer appreciation goes beyond just saying thank you. It involves demonstrating a genuine interest in a customer’s well-being and showing them that you cherish all the moments with them.The best customer appreciation ideasThe following are some of the customer appreciation ideas.1. Offer exclusive discountsOne way to show appreciation to your loyal customers is by offering them exclusive discounts, sales, or promotions. This not only shows your gratitude for their continued support but also incentivizes them to continue supporting your business.2. Organize special events or annual gatheringsA creative way to express your gratitude to your customers is by organizing special events or annual gatherings specifically to appreciate their support in your business. Such events can give your customers an interactive atmosphere and serve as a networking opportunity.This helps build a stronger sense of community among your clientele.3. Offer loyalty programsA loyalty program that gives customers points or rewards for their purchases is an effective way to show your appreciation. This customer appreciation strategy not only shows your gratitude but also encourages repeat business and fosters customer loyalty.4. Feature customers on social mediaWith their permission, featuring customers on your business’s social media pages can make them feel special and valued. It also provides social proof, which can attract new customers.5. Offer free trials and customer appreciation giftsOffering free trials for new products to your loyal customers can be a surprise gesture that makes them feel appreciated. It’s also a great way to introduce your customers to your latest feature updates and new releases, potentially increasing your sales.6. Offer proactive customer serviceProviding proactive customer service can significantly affect how your customers perceive your brand. By promptly addressing their concerns and going the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction, customers feel valued.This can lead to positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals.7. Send personalized thank-you notesTo add a personal touch to your customer service, consider sending handwritten thank-you notes to your customers. This small gesture can demonstrate your appreciation and show customers that you truly value their business.It can also make your brand more memorable and personal in the minds of your customers.8. Birthday/anniversary discountsCelebrate your customers’ special days, like birthdays or anniversaries, by sending out special discounts or small gifts. This personal approach can make your customers feel cared for and appreciated.9. Conduct customer surveys and communicate changesConducting customer surveys and communicating the changes you’ve made according to customers’ suggestions can show your customers that their opinions matter to you and you value them. This builds a good rapport with your customers, as it fosters customer loyalty.10. Send personalized emailsSending personalized emails that highlight customer preferences, or offering recommendations based on their purchase history, can make your customers feel valued. It also provides a more personalized shopping experience.11. Involvement in community forumsShowing involvement in your business community forum by replying to customers’ views and promising to work on their suggestions can show customers that you care about their well-being.This can help build a positive image for your brand and strengthen your relationship with customers.12. Collaborations and partnershipsCollaborating with other local businesses to offer exclusive deals or packages can provide unique value to your customers. It also fosters a sense of community and can attract new customers.13. Product/service upgradesOffering free upgrades to your loyal customers can show them that their loyalty is appreciated. It can also introduce them to higher-tier products or services, potentially increasing their value as customers.14. Implement referral programsImplementing a referral program where customers get discounts or freebies for referring new customers can incentivize customer loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth marketing.15. Offer customized and customizable productsIf applicable, offer customized products to your customers based on their requirements, and give them the chance for logos and brand customization. By doing this, you show that you value their individuality.This can help differentiate your brand and provide a unique selling point.Customer appreciation phrasesHere is a breakdown of some of customer appreciation quotes.Appreciating customers for their supportYou can use the following phrases to thank customers for supporting your business.Examples of support appreciation phrasesOur success story is incomplete without your unwavering support. Thank you for choosing us.Your support means the world to us. Thank you for being an incredible part of our journey.Your support has been the key ingredient in our success. Thank you for being our valued customer.We appreciate your continued support. You’re not just our customer but a part of our growing family.Acknowledging and appreciating customer satisfactionUse the expressions below to let your clients know how much you value your customer satisfaction and acknowledge it.Examples of customer satisfaction acknowledgement phrasesYour satisfaction is our number one priority. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you.Thank you for being our valued customer. We’re grateful for the pleasure of serving you.Your feedback and satisfaction are the measures of our success. Thank you for choosing us.Your satisfaction is our motivation. We appreciate your continued patronage.Appreciating customers for their trustTry using the following quotes to express gratitude to your clients for trusting your service.Examples of customer trust appreciation phrasesYour trust in us is our most precious asset. We can’t thank you enough!We’re grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us. Thank you for being our valued customer.We don’t just appreciate your business. We appreciate your trust in us. Thank you for being our loyal customer.We don’t take your trust for granted. Thank you for believing in us.Commitment to serviceThe following are quotes to use showing your customers that you are happy to serve them.Examples of commitment to service phrasesWe are so thankful for the privilege to serve you. Our commitment to providing you with the best service remains.We are what we are because of you. Thank you for giving us the chance to do what we love.We appreciate your trust and will do our best to continue giving you the kind of service you deserve.One of our true joys is serving customers like you. Thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty.Acknowledgment of customer loyaltyMake use of the phrases below to show gratitude to clients for their continued patronage to your business.Example of customer loyalty acknowledgment phrasesYour loyalty fuels our passion. Thank you for choosing us again and again.Your loyalty means the world to us. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!Thank you for making us your first choice. Your continued patronage is a critical part of our growth.Your continued business with us inspires us to do better. Thank you for your loyalty.Valuing customer feedbackThe following are phrases used to show customers that you value their feedback.Example of valuing customer feedback phrasesYour feedback is the compass guiding our growth. Thank you for helping us improve.We are because you are. Your feedback is invaluable to our business. Thank you.Your thoughts and opinions matter to us. Thank you for your valuable feedback.Thank you for shining a light on our path with your valuable input.Celebration of milestonesBy using the following expressions, you can let your clients know that you’ve reached a goal and that you appreciate their help in getting you that far.Examples of milestones celebration phrasesThank you for being an integral part of our journey towards success. We couldn’t have done it without you.We are celebrating our success because of you. Thank you for being there every step of the way.Thank you for helping us reach new heights. You are more than just a customer. You’re part of our success story.We’ve achieved another milestone thanks to your unwavering support. We can’t thank you enough.Affirmation of qualityTo thank customer for recognizing your work input, use the quotes that follow.Examples of affirmation of quality phrasesWe strive to deliver the best. Thank you for recognizing our efforts.Thank you for recognizing our dedication to quality. You make us strive to be better every day!Quality is not an act but a habit for us. Thank you for acknowledging our efforts.Your appreciation for our brand’s quality fuels our passion. Thank you for your continued trust and support!Encouragement for continued partnershipYou can use any of the expressions listed below to express gratitude to your clients for their ongoing support of your company.Examples of encouragement for continued partnership phrasesTogether, we’ve achieved great things. We look forward to accomplishing even more with you. Thank you.We value our partnership and look forward to a successful future together. Thank you.Our journey together has been great. We look forward to continuing this successful partnership. Thank you.We’ve come a long way together and are excited about the journey ahead. Thank you for your support.Appreciation for referralsYou may express gratitude to clients with these expressions below for referring others and serving as the best brand ambassadors.Examples of customer referral appreciation quotesThank you for recommending our business. Your trust and support mean the world to us.We appreciate your referrals. Thank you for spreading the word about our services.Your referrals have been instrumental in our growth. Thank you for your trust and support.We’re grateful for your trust in referring your friends and colleagues to us. Thank you.Importance of client appreciationClient appreciation is a crucial aspect of any successful business strategy. It is a powerful tool that can help in:Building customer retentionMaking your customers feel cherished cultivates loyalty. For instance, a coffee shop offering a loyalty program where customers earn a free coffee after purchasing a certain number can increase customer retention by acknowledging and rewarding their repeat business.Word-of-mouth marketingHappy customers who feel valued often turn into brand ambassadors. For example, if a customer receives a surprise birthday discount from a clothing store, they are likely to share this positive experience with friends and family, promoting the brand through word-of-mouth.Statistics also prove this by stating that 41% of customers would leave a positive review when their customer experience expectations are met or exceeded.Establishing brand reputationBeing known as a brand that truly values its customers can distinguish you from the competition. For instance, a company that regularly sends out personalized thank-you emails to its customers will develop a reputation as a brand that values customers and has excellent customer service.Boosting loyalty and lifetime valueWhen customers get the best customer experience and are appreciated, they tend to be loyal. A loyal customer is more likely to stick with the business. This becomes a win for your business since 65% of any company’s business is from existing customers.Additionally, when customers are loyal, they tend to stick to a business for a longer period, thus increasing their customer lifetime value.Establishing an open feedback forum for improvementValuing your customers can lead to more honest feedback. They’re more likely to voice their thoughts and suggestions, giving you the opportunity to enhance your products or services.Creating emotional connectionWhen customers feel valued, they develop a personal connection to your brand. For instance, a pet store that sends a personalized condolence message to a customer who recently lost their pet can create an emotional connection, demonstrating that they value the customer as a person, not just as a source of revenue.This bond often influences their decisions and can lead to deeper loyalty.Gaining competitive advantageIn a competitive market, customer appreciation can be a game-changer. Businesses that master this can get ahead of the competition.A grocery store that offers a free delivery service for seniors shows appreciation for this customer group, creating a competitive advantage by meeting a specific customer need that competitors may not address.Surviving the hard timesDuring tough economic times or crises, businesses with strong customer relationships based on appreciation are more likely to ride it out. Customers are more understanding and loyal when they know they’re valued.The secret to enhancing customer appreciationIn conclusion, customer appreciation is a critical aspect of business operations. It is not merely a strategy but a mindset that should pass through every aspect of a business.By showing customers they are valued and appreciated, businesses can build strong, lasting relationships that benefit both the customer and the business itself.Now that you know how important customer appreciation is, let’s lift the curtain of enhancing customer appreciation for business growth by introducing LIKE.TG, powerful help desk software that helps you understand your customers’ needs, expectations, and experiences.LIKE.TG, the only solution that takes you a step ahead of the rest, doesn’t just talk the talk. It walks the walk by offering you a 30-minute live demo to give you a first-hand experience and sneak peek into the world of enhanced customer experience.Additionally, it offers you a 15-day free trial to provide you with an opportunity to explore how its distinctive features can be tailored and incorporated to satisfy your company’s needs and exceed your customer’s expectations.To know more and learn how to get started, don’t hesitate to contact LIKE.TG.Related articlesCustomer Loyalty: A Comprehensive ArticleWhat is Customer Relations? Types, Importance, and BenefitsCustomer Churn: A Comprehensive Guide
15 Employee Engagement Ideas to Get Your Team Invested
When done right, employee engagement results in each member of a company giving their best. They’re better at collaborating with the rest of their team—both on a personal level and when completing their job-related tasks—and are committed to company-wide success. If engagement at your company is lacking, there are a lot of ways an uninspired workforce can be felt across a company and create a dramatic ripple effect. The key to turning this around is a commitment to improving your company culture from the inside out. So let’s get familiar with what employee engagement is and why you shouldn’t overlook it. Plus, we’ll offer our employee engagement ideas, which have been tested at organizations of all sizes and in a variety of industries. No credit card needed Less than 5 min to set up What Is Employee Engagement? Employee engagement refers to the level of enthusiasm and commitment an employee feels towards their job and the organization. It encompasses how invested employees are in their roles and their willingness to go above and beyond to contribute to the company's success. Engagement is, at its core, about company culture. The workplace should be a place where employees are generally happy, as they spend a lot of their time there. The Best Employee Engagement Ideas 1. Compensate Competitively People like to feel acknowledged for their hard work. And although salary is important, it’s not all they want. Be sure you’re staying on top in areas such as healthcare offerings, retirement plans, and generous PTO. 2. Establish a Rewards System Whether it’s marketing, productivity, or engagement, there are a few things that wouldn’t benefit from the implementation of a gamified system. Start by setting clear, measurable goals that align with company objectives, and then create engaging challenges or milestones around these goals. This system could involve earning points for hitting targets, completing tasks, or demonstrating company values, which can then be exchanged for various rewards such as extra vacation days, gift cards, or public recognition. For example, employees might earn "innovation points" for contributing unique ideas, which are displayed on a digital leaderboard and lead to quarterly prizes for top performers, fostering a fun and competitive atmosphere that motivates everyone to engage more deeply with their work. You can make this process even easier by implementing employee recognition software. 3. Offer Training and Career Advancement Employees don’t want to stay in one position forever; they want to grow. That doesn’t mean that you need to prepare them to leave the company for greener pastures—instead, aim to make your company the greenest pasture out there. Make sure every employee knows that promotions are not only possible but expected, given good work. Thus, you will find that training will be much appreciated. You can send them to conferences and workshops, assign them recommended readings, or provide them with company-branded how-to demo videos if they are working remotely. 4. Encourage Autonomy, Not Micromanagement No one likes to feel that they are being micromanaged. Yes, employees should be held accountable, but they want to know that you hired them because you trust in their abilities to do their job. Give them direction, set deadlines, and then set them free to get the job done effectively. You can of course, as a leader, guide them along the way if you notice that something they’re doing could be done more efficiently, but make sure you are not checking up on them at all hours of the day. Use your check-ins sparingly and they’ll be more likely to see them as help than feel a hint of dread. 5. Offer Remote Work Options It may seem counterintuitive to let employees work from outside the office to boost their engagement, but negative office environments can cause work anxiety and thus hinder employee engagement. In addition to relieving the stress of your employees, offering remote working arrangements will also help you stay competitive. This could look like allowing employees to work from home certain days of the week, setting up satellite offices, or even offering fully remote positions where team members can work from anywhere with internet access. 6. Encourage Personal Projects One of the top things employees look for in a workplace is one that fosters a healthy work-life balance. Encourage them to have a life outside of work. Do they want to hone a skill that is not directly related to their day job? Great, feel free to help them out if you know of resources you can suggest. Cheer them on. Show up for them however you can. Managers and their subordinates should be able to talk about personal endeavors. If coworkers can share more and help each other out when it comes to their hobbies, they will be happier all around and learn to build each other up. 7. Facilitate Communication and Encouragement Teams that like and appreciate each other work together best. Push for your employees to get to know each other and treat one another as respected individuals. Plus, with the help of good engagement software, they can have a platform to give shout-outs and praise to their fellow staff. It shows each member of the workforce that the other members of the team truly believe in them and are taking note of their accomplishments. 8. Make Onboarding a Breeze for All No one likes coming into a new job and filling out a ton of paperwork. Nor do you need it to be the first thing a new employee thinks about upon walking through the door on their first day—you want them to be excited about the orientation process and focused on the job they were hired to do. The right software will enable smooth transitions for new hires rather than present a bit of a turnoff, as it may have been in the past. Getting the correct forms filled out and catching them up to speed does not have to be a dreaded task when everything is available virtually in one easily accessible place. Today, it is more than possible to find an onboarding system that is a great experience for already busy HR staff and anxious new employees alike. With the latest technology, you can be sure they’ll feel welcomed rather than overwhelmed. 9. Welcome Employee Feedback You want your organization to have integrity and transparency. This is not to say that you should toss out your corporate hierarchy framework. While most decisions should continue to come from the top, your employees need to feel that their voice is valued. Invite feedback from all team members—yes, even from interns. Everyone should understand they deserve to have their opinions heard. They are more likely to be engaged and enthusiastically interact with their team if they feel they have a voice—and that you’re listening. You do not have to accept every suggestion, but if an employee brings a concern to your attention or an idea of how to improve any area of your business, hear them out. Thank them for their contribution and see to it that it is at least considered. 10. Hold Contests and Have Themed Office Days Who said work can’t be fun? Keep things interesting by, when appropriate, holding little games or themed days at the office. Try a game night (or lunch). Whether it’s trivia, Pictionary, or even sports, having employees engage in friendly contests is always a good way to get the creative juices flowing and build relationships within the company. Relay race obstacle courses, escape rooms, board games, card games, VR, you name it. As long as it’s something fun, cooperative, and takes away the stress of work then it’s a suitable candidate for game night. Themed days can be aligned with major holidays such as a cook-off for Thanksgiving, costumes for Halloween, or a Secret Santa gift exchange for Christmas. And don’t forget about birthdays, as they’re easy to celebrate but just as easy to miss if you’re not keeping track. 11. Take Employees Out to Lunch Going out to lunch with all the employees in your office provides a great opportunity to get to know everyone better. Plus, it gives them the opportunity to open up to you about any problems they may be facing. Most veteran HR managers would agree that they’ve had better luck catching problems early when they already have a rapport with the employees at their company. It also helps you gather invaluable feedback about how the employees would want the company to run, what changes would make their jobs easier, and even any operational inefficiencies. In addition to these small outings, you could also organize company-wide lunches every quarter so that everyone has the chance to build a stronger relationship both with their coworkers and the company as a whole. This reminds them that they’re part of something big and worthwhile. 12. Volunteer as a Company Many enterprises make giving back to the community a priority. Don’t just give money, though, as things can easily be made more personal than that. One poll found that a staggering 68% of employees would take a job with a company that values volunteer work over one that does not make time for it. We’re also seeing that corporate social responsibility (CSR) ranks highest among millennials. Cone Communications reports that up to two-thirds of young professionals said they wouldn’t even consider working for a company that does not prioritize this. Not to mention, it’s great for team building. Encourage your staff to volunteer together instead of simply giving them time off to do their own individual community service. And don’t be afraid to change it up—if you don’t have a set organization to which you prefer to donate, you can even have employees vote on which charity or nonprofit they’d like to help each year. 13. Have Snacks in the Office Employees are more likely to engage with their work if they have access to extra benefits, particularly yummy snacks. You don’t have to spend a fortune on professional catering or bog your employees down with junk food. There are quite a few nutritious snacks that you can offer such as avocados, dark chocolate, or red grapes. These will keep your employees both happy and healthy. It even serves as an extra incentive to join when headhunting talent. And there are plenty of food ordering solutions available worldwide to make things even easier. 14. Review Regularly to Gauge Happiness Employees who regularly get to use their strengths, skills, and abilities were found to be as much as six times more likely to be engaged at work—and 8% more productive, according to research from Gallup. Hold regular reviews with the aim of not only gauging their performance but also checking in on their overall well-being. If they’re not showing the growth their managers were expecting, there could be an underlying reason for that. Make sure these assessments are a two-way street—don’t just talk at them, rather, give them a chance to explain their side. Ask them what their goals are, what you or their supervisors could be doing better as leaders, and what would improve their outlook on the job. Get them to understand that you take change seriously and that if something can be identified that will help them do better, you will do your best to make that a reality for them. In the end, this should end up proving to be a solution, both for them and for the company as a whole. 15. Meet In and Outside of the Office With all the tools we have in this digital era, it doesn’t matter if your team is distributed across the globe or sitting across a section of cubicles from one another, there is a way for them not only to get along but genuinely like each other. Make sure to hold meetings regularly so that everyone is on the same page. Employees should see this as an opportunity to collaborate and ask for help. When people come together to share ideas, fewer potentially great ideas will escape the organization. Some of the greatest innovations started from joint efforts. If people are remote, have them call or video into a conference. Even if the team is all situated at a physical office location, don’t skip this step. Emails cannot always replace the nuances and camaraderie of face-to-face interaction. And it’s not just about work meetings. Organize ways for your people to meet up outside of work as well. Hold private company holiday parties at rented venues, invite staff to join together at a bar if everyone is local—or, if you have the funds and some of the team is remote, try gathering everyone together for annual, or biannual, retreats. You want your team to feel like a cohesive group. And those who have fun together often stay together, creating memories that can then be taken back to work with them and shared among work friends. Why Is Employee Engagement Important? Hiring Top Talent When a candidate is first researching to see whether they might want to apply, they’ll often look at websites that show current and former employees’ ratings of employers. When the majority of employees are pleased with their experience at the office, positive reviews show prospective hires what a great place your company is. Boosting Productivity Employees tend to be more productive when their overall experience is positive. And more productive team members are, of course, great for your bottom line. The stock prices of businesses that have made it to Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work for" have risen 14%, per a study from the Jackson Organization as reported by Forbes, while those not on the list are reporting a mere 6% increase. When it comes to salespeople, for instance, happier professionals are reported to be able to raise sales by an astounding 37%, on average, according to the Harvard Business Review. Improving Client and Customer Relations Happier employees generally provide a better experience to clients and customers. They genuinely believe in what they are selling and want to go the extra mile for customers’ success. Lowering Turnover Don't lose your best employees because they aren’t happy enough while at work. Keeping employee engagement high boosts talent retention. Voluntary employee turnover has many costs. Plus, filling an empty role has a negative effect on employee morale and takes time and money. When employees see others exiting the company, they might think something is wrong and consider other opportunities. Employee Engagement Tools If any of these employee engagement ideas got the gears turning and sparked excitement for you while picturing all the new, interesting things you can have your team do together, get in touch! We can walk you through LIKE.TG’s engagement software, such as the ever-popular Workmates, to show you how tools that are easy, fun, cost-cutting, and time-saving can get you where you want to be. A tight-knit, more communicative, and all-around more productive work environment is possible with our expert advice and acclaimed technology. To see happiness levels at your company rise quicker than you ever thought possible, reach out and we’ll help you reap the benefits of a more engaged workforce. Try Workmates Interactive Demo Click through it yourself withinteractive demo. Try It Now
15 Tips on How to Organize Gmail Inbox
Approximately one in three email users worldwide use Gmail according to research by Oberlo. With many professionals now using Gmail, organizing Gmail inbox can prove a vital skill for increasing productivity and efficiency at work.Gmail is a popular email service that users can access on PCs, cell phones, tablets, and other devices. On average, a user gets about 32 emails a day on Gmail, according to DragApp.It is crucial to organize your Gmail inbox to stay on top of all these communications. Knowing how to organize Gmail inbox lets you prioritize messages, respond quickly to urgent communications, and focus on multiple projects.In this blog, we’ll provide 15 easy tips on organizing your Gmail inbox to streamline your workflow and boost your productivity. Why is organizing your Gmail inbox important?With features such as multiple account support, advanced search, filters, and canned responses, Gmail is one of the best productivity tools in the market. It is, therefore, safe to say that Gmail is like the online version of your home mailbox.According to Statista, 27% of global email communications happen on Gmail.Your email inbox is the center of your communications in the workplace. It contains client emails, memos, support requests, and conversations with team members.A well-organized Gmail inbox means you are always up to date with all your communications, you don’t miss important emails, and you work better. Other benefits of an organizing Gmail inbox include:Increased productivityGmail’s priority inbox categorizes emails for you based on their urgency and importance. It boosts productivity by allowing you to quickly attend to high-priority emails, ensuring you do not miss any important messages.Improved communicationWhen you effectively organize your Gmail inbox, it enables you to promptly recognize critical emails, swiftly respond as soon as they arrive, and ensure that no significant messages are overlooked.Knowing how to organize your Gmail inbox lets you improve communication with your team and guarantees that you remain informed at all times.Better time managementOrganizing Gmail inbox saves you a lot of time by eliminating the need to sift through countless emails to determine which ones to respond to.Reduced stress and frustrationLabels, folders, and filters allow you to set up an orderly system in your Gmail inbox. This makes the process of managing and responding to incoming emails less overwhelming, reduces anxiety, and maintains calmness at work.Tips on how to organize your Gmail inboxMost of our inboxes are filled with unread emails. Categorizing, prioritizing, and replying to these emails can be a daunting task.However, Gmail provides built-in tools that make organizing emails and managing your inbox easy. Here are some on how to organize your Gmail inbox.Choose a custom inbox layout that prioritizes relevant emailsGmail has several inbox layouts you can choose from depending on your needs. An excellent way to organize your Gmail inbox is to set up an inbox layout that places relevant emails at the top of your inbox, such as the ones starred or marked as important.You can prioritize relevant emails by choosing either one of the following layouts:Default: This layout organizes your email into tabs, in the order they were sent.Important first: Gmail analyses emails and marks some as important, placing them at the top of your inbox.Unread first: This layout displays your unread emails at the top of your inbox while the read ones go to the bottom.Starred first: Here, your starred emails are shown first.Priority inbox: A priority inbox checks the emails you interact with the most and places them at the top of your inbox.Choosing the right layout can work wonders in organizing your Gmail inbox, keeping it streamlined and clutter-free. Here’s how you can change your Gmail layout to organize Gmail inbox:Access the settings by clicking on the gear-like icon in the inbox.Click on any of the options on the drop-down menu.Use labels to categorize emailsUsing labels makes it easier to find emails, as you only have to click on the label from the left panel to access the email.Another cool thing about labels is that you can assign a color to each to make it more visual. Gmail automatically labels successive emails as they arrive.You can also assign more than one label to a single email and search for specific emails within the labels. You can set up a label in the following ways:In the Gmail app, scroll down to the left panel, then click More.Click on Create new label and add the name of your label.Click Create and save the changes.Sort out your emails with the Gmail filter featureGmail uses a filter feature to filter email by subject, content, sender, and more. Filters help you automate tasks such as assigning emails to labels.You can customize these filters to ensure you never miss crucial email from important contacts. Additionally, you can configure your inbox so that Gmail applies filters automatically to emails that meet the criteria you have set.You can also use filters to:Apply labels to emails.Archive emails.Mark emails as important.Forward emails automatically.Sort emails by priority or relevance or to mark them as spam.Here’s how to set up Gmail filters when organizing Gmail inbox.Access settings by clicking on the gear icon at the top of your inboxNavigate to Filters and Blocked Addresses.Click Create a New Filter, then set the criteria for the filter.Select Create a Filter and save the changes.Do away with tabs you do not needGmail has five tabs in total, three of which appear by default. These three are the primary, social, and promotions tabs.Having all these tabs filled with emails can be burdensome when you only need two or just one. Remove tabs that do not receive many emails to organize your Gmail inbox.You can remove tabs through the following steps:In the Gmail app, open settings and click on the Inbox tabChoose the tabs you wish to add or remove under Categories.Save changes.It is important to note that all tabs are removable except for the primary tab. When you remove extra tabs, new emails automatically appear under the primary tab. Therefore, this is a great tip on how to organize Gmail inbox.Star important emailsStarring significant emails is yet another effective method for organizing Gmail inbox. You can designate emails as important by clicking on the star icon next to the email.Gmail frequently auto-labels messages as important, denoted by a yellow arrow next to the message. However, this automatic process isn’t always accurate.By taking the initiative to star emails yourself, you not only ensure they’re readily identifiable, but you also refine Gmail’s algorithm for better precision in recognizing and flagging important emails going forward.Here’s how to star an email:Navigate to the email you want to mark in your inbox.Click the star icon adjacent to the emailTo view your starred emails, click on the Starred tab in the left panel of your inbox.Snooze emails that are not urgentSome emails do not require an immediate response and can unnecessarily fill your inbox. Luckily, Gmail has a built-in snooze feature that lets you temporarily remove an email from your inbox until later, enabling you to organize your Gmail inbox.When you snooze emails, you clear your inbox to focus on more critical messages. For instance, you could Snooze your bill reminder emails until the time you are ready to pay those bills.Once the time elapses, the email will reappear in the inbox for you to reply to. To snooze an email, hover on the clock icon on the taskbar and select a time that suits you to revisit the email.Archive emails that are not importantWe usually do not delete email in our inbox as some might be needed later. The problem is that these emails end up piling up in your inbox.A great way to ensure that the already-taken-care-of emails don’t clutter your inbox is to archive them. It removes unwanted email from your main inbox to create room for important emails while at the same time storing the emails you need for future reference.You can also enable the Send and Archive button that automatically archives an email after you have responded to it. The archived emails stay hidden until you revisit or search for them.A good example is whenever you get a purchase receipt via email when you buy something from an online store. The receipts may not be immediately useful, however, they can prove important later on in case of an issue.You can simply respond to the email and archive it using the Send and Archive button. Here’s how you can archive an email to organize your Gmail inbox:Select the email you want to archive.Click on the square icon to highlight it.Click Archive.You can use the e keyboard shortcut to archive emails as well.Unsubscribe from unwanted mailing listsReducing the amount of emails in your inbox is only part of the challenge. A significant aspect of organizing Gmail inbox is reducing the number of incoming emails.There are several emails in your inbox that are a result of subscribing to mailing lists that don’t provide you with anything useful. These unwanted emails can easily distract you.Unsubscribe from undesired mail lists to reduce the number of emails in your inbox. Fewer emails will keep your inbox tidy and simplify browsing through it.The unsubscribe option is often found at the end of the sender’s email address or the end of their message. Take advantage of this unsubscribe link to quickly opt out of mailing lists.Block spam emailAnother good tip to organize your Gmail inbox is to block spam mail. Spam emails are unsolicited emails sent to you in bulk from people you don’t know.If you find unwanted emails in your inbox and consider them spam, you can right-click on them and mark them as spam. Gmail will automatically categorize similar emails in the future as spam, saving you the time and effort of going through unwanted emails.Mute conversationsDiscussions in the workplace can generate a lot of emails in your inbox that may not involve you directly. You can manage such emails by muting the conversations.All muted conversations are archived and can be accessed later when you search them. Here’s how you can mute a conversation:Select the More option in the taskbar.From the drop-down button, choose Mute.Remove the Muted label from the thread to unmute a conversation.Set-up desktop notifications for incoming emailsSet up email notifications on your computer to notify you of new emails. This allows you to respond to important emails as soon as they come.You can also configure your desktop to only notify you of emails that are marked as important so that you do not get distracted by unimportant emails.Enabling desktop notifications means you are on top of all your conversations and don’t miss crucial emails. When you respond to incoming mail each time you get a notification, your inbox becomes less cluttered.Here’s how you can set up desktop notifications to organize your Gmail inbox:Click on Settings, at the top of your inbox.Navigate to Desktop Notifications and click on the radio button to enable notifications.Enable the nudges feature in your GmailGmail has a feature called nudges that acts as a reminder by showing you emails that you have not responded to on top of your inbox. It also shows you the emails that recipients haven’t addressed.The nudges feature automatically resurfaces old emails you might have forgotten to reply to and “nudges” you to address them. Nudges help you organize your Gmail inbox by reminding you to reply to emails and follow up on sent messages.You can set up nudges in the following way:In the Gmail app, click on Settings.Click on the GeneralScroll down until you see the Nudges optionSelect your desired option and save the changesDelete emails you no longer needAnother useful tip on how to organize Gmail inbox is to delete emails you no longer need. Deleting emails clears up your inbox for more important emails.Deleting old emails with attachments is also a good way to organize your Gmail inbox, as Google allocates only 15GB of free space for you to store your data, in Google Drive, Gmail, and Google+. Emails that are deleted are sent to the trash folder where they stay for 30 days before being deleted entirely.Below are the steps to delete an email:Navigate to the email you want to delete.In the taskbar, select the bin icon to delete the email.Set up Gmail templatesGmail gives you the option to set up custom email templates or canned responses that you can use to avoid composing the same email repetitively. These canned responses help you save time as you do not have to compose an email from scratch every time you respond to an email.By responding promptly to emails, you can clear the clutter in your inbox, keeping it neat and organized. You can set up Gmail templates and organize your Gmail inbox using the following steps:Compose an email you plan to use frequently.Click on the three dots at the bottom right corner of your compose window.Select Templates.Select Save draft as template.Select Save as new template.Input the template name.You can then use the template any time you need it in the future. Email templates assist you in organizing Gmail inbox, improving your response time and allowing you more time to be productive.Use Gmail Smart Reply and Smart ComposeGmail has a Smart Reply feature that suggests replies for you based on the emails you receive. It provides you with short phrases that you can use to promptly reply to emails.The Smart Compose feature composes complete replies to your emails instead of just short phrases. It allows you to respond quickly to emails and thus helps you keep your inbox cleanYou can enable either of these features by navigating to the General Settings tab and clicking on the respective radio button.Bonus tips:Let a colleague organize your inbox while you are awayEmails can pile up in your inbox when you are out of the office, sick, or on vacation. Fortunately, Gmail allows multiple people to use one account through the Gmail shared inbox feature.This feature allows multiple people to access and use a single inbox. Delegate your account to a member of your team to read, respond to, and organize your emails while you are away. A shared Gmail inbox will keep your emails from piling up and overwhelming you when you return from vacation.Clean your inbox regularlyIt is good practice to constantly go through these steps repeatedly to check or change them so that they can work better for you. To organize your Gmail inbox, you must go through your emails, archiving and deleting the ones you do not need.Schedule a fixed time to respond to emails so you don’t have a cluttered inbox. Also, respond to emails as soon as they come whenever you can.Discover how to organize Gmail inbox for better productivityEfficiency and improved productivity in the workplace begin with an organized inbox. The tools, tips, and techniques shared in this blog will enable you to organize your Gmail inbox, streamline your workflow, save time, and keep you focused on work.LIKE.TG’s shared inbox software improves the productivity of your support staff by enhancing collaboration, reducing response times, and streamlining communication.Get in touch with us to find out how you can complement your customer service using LIKE.TG’s unique tools. Schedule a live demo or sign up for a free trial today to get acquainted with its features.We hope you found these tips on how to organize Gmail inbox insightful. Please feel free to add any further suggestions and ideas in the comments section below.
15 Ways to do Employee Appreciation for the End of the Year
Every year Employee Appreciation Day is on the first Friday in March, and with it comes the opportunity for companies to show appreciation for their most valuable resource—their employees. According to research, organizations with effective recognition frameworks experience a 31% reduction in voluntary turnover. It also contributes to employee morale. So on Employee Appreciation Day, show your team members how much you appreciate them. Here are a few suggestions that will appeal to everyone in your company. Employee Appreciation vs. Recognition Typically, employee appreciation is about rewarding employees’ general contributions to the workplace. Employee recognition, on the other hand, usually focuses on a specific achievement of a single individual or team. Both are crucial for a positive company culture. First, Create a Culture of Appreciation Celebrating Employee Appreciation Day is a bit misguided if you don’t already have a culture of appreciation established. And that starts by setting an example at the top of the organization. Regularly acknowledge individual and team achievements during meetings and by personally express gratitude for employees' efforts in day-to-day interactions. Establish an employee recognition program, such as peer recognition platforms or award nominations, and ensure that it’s actively used and promoted. The more you foster an environment where gratitude is the norm, the more authentic Employee Appreciation Day feels. Tips for Employee Appreciation Day Start planning several weeks in advance to ensure all details are covered. Tailor activities and gifts to suit the preferences and culture of your team. Establish a budget to guide your decisions on activities and gifts. Plan a variety of events to keep the day interesting and engaging for everyone. Customize thank-you messages or gifts to add a personal touch that employees will value. Encourage all staff to participate in planned activities to boost engagement and fun. Publicly acknowledge the hard work and achievements of individuals and teams. Offer gifts that employees will genuinely appreciate and find useful. Gather feedback after the event. Don’t forget remote or contract employees! 1. Special Event or Award Ceremony Since Employee Appreciation Day is a special day, it’s the perfect time to host a special event or award ceremony to publicly recognize and celebrate employee achievements. Some ideas of what to include in the presentation include: Individual awards Team accomplishments Milestone employees New employees Launch a new benefit Introduce a recognition program 2. Bonuses Money isn’t the most original incentive, but there are few employees who’ll find disappointment in a cash bonus. Show that you recognize employees’ value and the work it takes for them to help your company reach its goals with the gift of cash. You can also complement the financial rewards with some additional perks for your most valuable employees, such as additional vacation days or vouchers for various online retailers. 3. Gift Cards Sometimes, bonuses aren’t in the budget. Still, if you like the idea of employee appreciation gifts, you can give your employees gift cards. Instead of giving every employee the same generic T-shirt or water bottle, gift cards allow employees to select incentives with personal significance. 4. Gifts or Care Packages Some of the most successful employer brands are those who take the time and effort to get to know their employees. Then, when the time comes for your HR team to start generating employee appreciation ideas, this data will be invaluable. Personalized rewards make all the difference in outreach attempts such as care packages. A care package is a particularly useful employee appreciation idea, particularly for remote employees or teams. While you don’t need to make care packages hyper-personalized, you should still acknowledge the individual’s unique traits, values, interests, and core drivers. 5. Pick-a-Prize Allowing employees to pick their own gift can significantly enhance its value, as it ensures that the reward is desirable and useful. This approach not only empowers employees by giving them a choice but also demonstrates the company's commitment to catering to individual preferences. 6. Catered Breakfast or Lunch Providing breakfast or lunch on Employee Appreciation Day is a thoughtful and inclusive way to celebrate, offering a shared meal that fosters camaraderie and a sense of community. Plus, it creates an opportunity for employees to bond and relax together, enhancing employee experience and facilitating team dynamics. 7. Happy Hour Hosting a happy hour for employees allows them to unwind and socialize after work hours. It can be held on-site with options like craft beer tasting and cocktail mixing stations, or off-site at a local pub or restaurant, providing a fun break from the usual work routine. 8. Snacks or Dessert Bar Setting up a snacks or dessert bar offers a delightful treat for employees, featuring a variety of options such as gourmet cookies, artisan chocolates, a build-your-own trail mix station, or a selection of local ice creams. 9. Spa Services Provide in-office services such as chair massages, manicures, or reflexology sessions. This offers staff a chance to relax and de-stress right at the workplace and shows the company’s care for its employees' health and well-being. 10. Company-Wide Email Send out an email highlighting individual and team accomplishments to the entire organization. This could include a summary of achievements, personal stories, and photos from the past year, making everyone feel valued and reinforcing the company's appreciation for every team member's hard work. 11. Video Tribute Similarly, you can create a video montage, compiling clips from managers and colleagues expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the team's efforts. This video can be shown at a company meeting or shared on internal communication networks, providing a personal and heartfelt recognition. 12. Say “Thank You” Simply saying “Thank you,” in person to each employee can have a profound impact. Leaders and managers can make a point to visit each team or department, expressing their gratitude directly and personally, which can significantly boost morale and make employees feel genuinely appreciated. 13. Personalized Notes Write personalized notes to each employee (bonus points for handwritten!), recognizing their specific contributions and achievements. These notes can mention particular instances where the employee excelled, showing that their efforts are noticed and valued. 14. Game Day Organize a game day with board games, video game setups, or outdoor sports to make the day fun and engaging. It's a chance for employees to interact in a non-work context, which can improve team cohesion and offer a stress-relieving break from the usual routine. 15. Go Outside Encourage employees to go outside together, whether for a group picnic, a team-building activity in a local park, or a volunteer day supporting a community project. Activities in a natural setting can reduce stress, increase creativity, and enhance team dynamics in an enjoyable and healthful setting. 16. Offsite Activity Plan a fun activity away from the office, such as a day at a team-building retreat, escape room, bowling alley, cooking class, or local amusement park. This provides a change of scenery, fosters team spirit, strengthens relationships, and allows employees to create memorable experiences together. 17. Donate to Charity Allowing employees to choose a charity for the company to donate to on their behalf can be a meaningful way to show appreciation. This approach not only honors the employees but also aligns with their personal values and interests. 18. Volunteer Organize a volunteer day for employees to give back to the community together. Whether it’s helping at a food bank, cleaning up a local park, or building homes for a housing charity, volunteering fosters a sense of purpose and teamwork that extends beyond the office walls. 19. Social Media Shout-Outs Giving shout-outs on the company Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn involves highlighting an individual’s or team’s achievements. This can boost their professional profile and make them feel celebrated not just within the company but by the broader public, enhancing their sense of pride and accomplishment. 20. Extra Paid Time Off Taking a break during long hours of work will certainly help your employees to contribute in a more productive way. Offer late starts, longer lunches, or early quitting time, which is especially appreciated on a Friday.Another option: Many companies designate an Employee Appreciation Day as a full-paid day off where team members can participate in things they've always wanted to. Besides providing a vacation from work, hobbies can assist staff in learning new abilities that will benefit your business in the long run. 21. Company Swag Distribute high-quality company-branded items, such as branded apparel, tech gadgets, or personalized items like engraved pens or custom notebooks. Quality swag items aren’t just practical; they also serve as a daily reminder of the company’s appreciation. 22. Use Employee Engagement Software Implement employee engagement software—like the one LIKE.TG offers—to enable continuous and real-time recognition among colleagues. Features can include peer-to-peer recognition feeds, reward systems, or communication tools that facilitate celebrating small wins and major milestones alike. Try Workmates Interactive Demo Click through it yourself withinteractive demo. Try It Now About the Author This article is written by a marketing team member at LIKE.TG. LIKE.TG is a leading provider of proven HR solutions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee communications & engagement, and rewards & recognition. Our user-friendly software increases employee productivity, delivers time and cost savings, and minimizes compliance risk.
15 Ways to Engage Your Employees
A report by Gallup affirms that employee engagement is a prime factor in building a future-ready workforce that drives a company's success. A highly engaged workforce can achieve 21 percent higher profitability than the others. No wonder, firms like Google are acing at employee engagement. In fact, a 37 percent increase in employee happiness and engagement transformed Google's productivity. Thus, increasing employee engagement can pay big dividends in the long term. Here are fifteen effective tactics to increase employee engagement and boost your ROI. #1: Strengthen Internal Communication Clear communication is the foundation of a successful team. Surprisingly, 70 percent of team leads hesitate to communicate openly with their team. The converse is also true among team members, especially the new joiners. Also, avoid overwhelming employees with emails to address the communication gap instead create a standard operating procedure that explains the employee how to complete specific tasks or operations. Trust your team to deliver tasks as planned. Tools, such as Slack, Trello, and Zoom, offer a robust platform for communication and collaboration. Invest in them to create an engaging and productive environment. #2: Stop Micromanaging No one appreciates micromanagers. Over-scrutinizing can result in poor employee morale and staff turnover. Research states that micromanagement is one of the top reasons employees left their jobs. Set timely goals and trust your team's ability to achieve them. The focus should be on achieving the expected outcomes, not how your team gets there. Here are a few quick tips to consider. Convey realistic expectations. Implement a project management system to view their daily work status. Encourage open communication. Share constructive feedback. Allow your team to learn through mistakes and failures. Be upfront while discussing work-related concerns. #3: Offer Employees the Tools They Need Equip your employees with the right tools they need. For instance, a developer might need software to streamline their work. This will save them a lot of mundane and manual work. So, get your employees’ opinions on the tools they need to make their job easy. Involving them in the decision-making process will keep them engaged and boost their morale. #4: Listen to Their Concerns A simple - "Do you need any help?" can make employees feel valued and respected. HR professionals and team leaders that listen to employee concerns can achieve 20-25 percent higher productivity. #5: Develop a Standard Feedback Process As an HR leader, it's your responsibility to create a constructive feedback system that helps employees learn and grow. Almost 69 percent of workers say they would put in more effort if their work gets recognition. Thus, random feedback goes a long way in keeping employees engaged and motivated to perform. But try to develop a standard feedback process that allows you to identify their professional strengths and weaknesses. Below are some tips to help you create an effective feedback system. Share the insights with their manager and ask for their opinion. Give them ratings on work and behavioral aspects. Arrange a personalized meeting to share the feedback. Explain that feedback is about their work and not personal. Suggest improvement paths that support their professional growth. Allow them to respond with honesty. Communicate with them at regular intervals to keep them engaged. #6: Make Them a Part of Your Business Vision One of the most successful companies, Walt Disney, had the vision to be the world's leading entertainment provider. Disney’s success was a result of aligning its team with its vision. They kept everyone on the same page by maintaining transparency. This practice boosted their employees' engagement and productivity, which resulted in massive success The lesson? Every company begins its journey with a vision. Most companies fail to align their employees with the business vision. Sharing your goals during the induction session is not enough. It’s equally important to share the vision and tell them how their role and contribution impact the vision. This simple tactic will help your team relate to the bigger picture and feel valued, thereby boosting engagement. #7: Recognize and Reward Their Work If you check Google, you will find around 1,98,00,000 searches for "how to stay motivated when you hate your job." This clearly points to the massive number of professionals feeling workplace burnout. As an HR leader, it can seem impossible to engage and retain unhappy professionals. But rewarding and recognizing their efforts can work wonders! Show some appreciation by rewarding your dedicated employees. Here's a screenshot of a survey conducted by O. C. Tanner that reflects how appreciation is the most crucial driver of great work. What's more? Here are a few more benefits of recognizing your employees. Create a positive workplace. Encourage friendly competition. Increase motivation to work. Improve work productivity. Boost employee retention rate. #8: Hold Informal Chat Sessions Once a Week Team meetings are an integral part of any organization. Since the onset of COVID-19, the frequency of communication has increased even more. However, multiple calls and emails between routine work can overwhelm employees. So, as an HR leader or manager, give your team some breather by arranging informal chat sessions once a week. Whether your team works from the office or home, try conducting informal chat sessions over a cup of coffee. During these sessions, talk about anything but work. Such conversations break down silos and create a sense of trust between your team. Most importantly, such sessions can refresh their moods and reduce stress after a long day at work. #9: Organize Health and Wellness Activities It's common to find employees with clutter on their work desk, a to-do list on their pinboard, and a dull look on their faces. Working for nine to twelve hours in a competitive environment can be stressful. Such a work culture not just affects their health but also their performance. Further, it can lead to - Lower productivity Absenteeism Turnover Decreased job satisfaction Reduced engagement Greater conflicts with colleagues No manager or HR wants to lose talent to health issues. But, most don't realize it until it is too late. Here are five wellness activities that can help you uphold employee health. Incorporate walking meetings to ensure that everyone gets up and moving. Allow everyone to take ten minutes of meditation breaks to turbocharge their minds. Encourage your employees to follow a healthy meal plan. Bring a doctor to your workplace for regular checkups. Throw wellness challenges to motivate your employees to stay fit. #10: Arrange Team Building Activities The primary goal of team-building activities is to encourage your team to interact with each other. When done right, they can increase employee engagement. Here are some fun team activities to help you get started. Blind Drawing: It requires two teams. A player from any team needs to draw an object blindfolded. His team needs to guess what he's drawing. This activity will help you check the employee's imagination power. Truth and Lies: Here, participants need to write three statements – one lie and two truths. They need to read out loud what they have written. Others need to guess whether that's a lie or truth. The coworkers that make the correct guesses win the game. This activity breaks the ice between employees and promotes fun interactions. Office Makeover: Create a couple of teams and allow them to decorate their desks. The team with the most creative desk makeover wins. It's simple yet engaging and fun. #11: Upskill Employees to Boost Their Career Growth Upskilling is vital for anyone who wants to stay relevant. In a famous interview with The Corp, Tom Bilyeu, the co-founder of Quest Nutrition, highlighted how skillful employees can boost the profitability of businesses. He also advised professionals to focus on skills rather than money. Arranging career training programs can empower your employees to a great extent. As an HR or team lead, talk to the management and conduct insightful learning sessions once a month. By investing in your staff's long-term career growth, you can create, engage, and retain valuable assets for the organization. #12: Invite a Motivational Speaker If you have access to a renowned motivational speaker, invite them to your workplace for a talk. Suggest a few topics that you'd like them to talk about. It is a great way to set an example and let your employees understand how hard work can bring success. Arrange the necessary infrastructure and see how these inspiring sessions add value to your employees' lives. #13: Show Genuine Care Nurturing a culture of genuine care and kindness can make employees feel valued and enhance their engagement with an organization. As an HR professional or team manager, take some time and think about articulating your care for them. Your approach should be genuine. For instance, try helping your juniors when they feel overworked. Offer them a cup of coffee, or take them out for lunch. Be attentive to the professional needs of your team. Compliment them for their efforts. Such small gestures can have a more powerful impact than you might imagine. #14: Let Your Team Suggest Innovative Ideas Innovative ideas can take any business to the next level. But brainstorming for innovative ideas needs time. As an HR professional, create a forum where employees can share their ideas and suggestions. This strategy can keep them engaged and boost their forward-thinking abilities. One of the largest organizations, Walmart, follows this tactic to build a culture of innovation and unlock the potential of its assets. #15: Emphasize Work-Life Balance Every organization wants to attract and retain motivated, talented, productive, and loyal employees. Unfortunately, employee turnover is a problem that is getting worse with time. The reason is the lack of work-life balance. Brain Kropp from the Gartner HR team mentions, “Ultimately, employees want their 9-to-5 to look like their 5-to-9, and the organizations that deliver on that idea will gain a competitive advantage.” Here are a few tips that will help engage and retain your best assets. Create process documentation to streamline the work. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of your employees. Assign work according to their experience and capabilities. Identify their early stages of burnout. Offer greater work flexibility whenever you can. Offer holiday packages to the top-performing employees. Conclusion As your organization grows, you need more engaged, productive, and skilled professionals to bring your vision to life. Tremendous growth and higher ROI are possible only with a strong team by your side. Follow the tips shared in this article to keep your employees engaged and build a super successful organization. Author Bio: This article is written by our marketing team at LIKE.TG. LIKE.TG is a leading provider of HR solutions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee engagement, and intranet software. Our aim is to help your company improve employee engagement, employee productivity, and to save you valuable time!
15 Ways to Show Appreciation for Remote Employees
Did you know that over 40% of the American workforce has been working remotely? Also, according to one study, 40% of employees who were ignored by colleagues reported that they were seriously disengaged from their work. Whether you have a few remote employees or hundreds, you may wonder how you can show them your appreciation. While you can't meet them all in person, you can use video calls, emails, and other tools to share the love. Then, you can make your remote employees feel like part of the team and improve employee engagement. Keep reading for some employee appreciation ideas on how to keep remote workers motivated and recognized. Celebrate the Small Things One of the easiest ways to show appreciation for your remote employees is to celebrate small accomplishments. For example, maybe you and your team members always struggle with technology during a virtual meeting. Whenever you have a meeting where you don't encounter issues, take note of that. Congratulate your remote employees for getting through the meeting without typical problems. You can also celebrate getting assignments and projects in on time. That may sound like the bare minimum, but it can be hard when everyone is working remotely. While working from home achievements can be easily ignored. It doesn't matter how small something is; don't be afraid to celebrate it. You don't need every celebration to be huge, a small gesture of appreciation from the organization’s management goes a long way in combating feelings of isolation. Share Positive Customer Reviews You can also show appreciation for your remote employees by sharing positive reviews from clients or customers. Whenever your remote team's hard work goes over well, let them know that customers are happy. Consider sending an email newsletter each month or week with positive reviews. Or you can use a platform like LIKE.TG to help recognize your remote team with effective employee recognition software. Workmates has a “kudos” feature that you can use to build a culture of recognition with rewards or give out a shout-out to specific employees. You can also email or message your employees individually when you know they are the specific person on the project. Telling employees about their hard work can make employees feel great. Now, you shouldn't lie about customer reviews if they tend to be negative. However, you can use those negative reviews to help make your team better by reworking your processes. Talk About Your Personal Achievements Work is important, but there's more to life than your career. When you get a chance, ask remote employees about their personal lives, such as their family or other activities. You can then see if an employee has recently bought a house or had a child. Or maybe an employee just ran a mile or started a new hobby that they enjoy. All of these are examples of personal achievements, and they're just as important as work achievements. If an employee has done something exciting outside of work, share that with the rest of the team. Other employees can congratulate their coworkers, and that employee can feel good. Don't pressure your employees into talking about their personal lives, but don't be afraid to share exciting news when an employee does have some. Pick an Employee of the Month If you want to choose an employee of the month, you do need to be careful. Sometimes, this can lead to jealousy and tension between coworkers, but it can be a good option if you do it right. Make sure you choose an employee who is doing a lot of good, hard work for your company. You can even have employees nominate each other to help make your decision. Then, you can choose employees that other employees like and admire. You can give a shoutout to the employee of the month at your next meeting or on social media. Or you can sit down with them and ask a few questions about their work, such as productivity tips. Then, you can share the interview to recognize your employees in a company newsletter. Learn more on; how to start an employee of the month program in your organization. Acknowledge achievements on video calls Research studies have shown that public recognition is one of the best ways to appreciate your employees. Since employees are working from home, public recognition has been difficult. One great idea to appreciate employees is to recognize the efforts of an employee on your company intranet. Food delivery and takeout discounts Most people are running out of recipes to try out with their loved ones at home. Cooking meals can be exhausting every night, especially for parents who are trying to balance work-life. One of the best ways to show appreciation for employees who put in extra hours is by offering them discounts and credit to food delivery apps and giving local restaurants gift cards. A great way to do that is through customizable employee rewards software. Share Important Dates Another great recognition idea is to share important dates for your employees, such as their birthdays. If you have a record of them, you can also get the dates when each employee started their job. When someone's birthday or work anniversary rolls around, you can give them a shoutout in Workmates’ social intranet. Tell them how much you appreciate having them on your team. To learn more about the features and capabilities available in Workmates, download our ebook now. Download now In the case of a birthday, you can send a card or a small gift. And a work anniversary is the perfect time to do an annual review where you can praise the employee. Another way to praise all of your remote employees is to dedicate a day each month or year. Then, you can show appreciation for the team as a whole. Send a Gift Whether it's someone's birthday or not, there are multiple great opportunities for sending gifts to employees. You can send something simple, like a gift card to that employee's favorite restaurant. Or you can let them order lunch using a company card. Then, your employee can enjoy that meal or purchase knowing that their employer loves having them on the team. This is another great way to use the information you get regarding employees' personal interests. You can tailor each gift to the employee to show that you care. Sending something small once or twice a year can be a great way to remind your remote employees that they're part of the team. Gifts can be an excellent addition to any peer-to-peer recognition ideas or in general to employee recognition programs. Provide Professional Development Professional development is important whether someone works remotely or at the office. If you haven't provided professional development for your remote team, it’s never too late to begin. Consider offering courses or sessions to help your employees enhance their skills in the workplace. Investing in your employees’ development will improve their job performance, enhance their engagement, and give them a competitive advantage while fostering a culture of continuous learning. The upfront costs may seem a lot at first, but in the long term, it brings a lot of benefits to your employees and your company. If you can’t afford to send your employees courses or other materials, explore creative solutions like crafting an email series where you can empower remote employees with valuable knowledge just by including daily tips or insights. Make Work a Game Now, you don't need to make work something optional, but you do want to make it enjoyable. When people work from home, they can feel lonely and like there's a disconnect between them and the team. Fortunately, you can use gamification to make work more interesting. If you run a remote sales team, for example, you can create a leaderboard. As someone makes more sales, they can earn more points and advance to the top. You can also provide other incentives to encourage people to get their work done. If a leaderboard doesn't work, you can use flashcards or fun characters to make work fun. Then, people can look forward to starting work each day, even though they're not in the office. Having a fun company culture can be a great way to show appreciation for all of your employees. Take a Day Off If your remote employees work from home for many days without much of a break, give them the day off. Your employees can take the time to relax or catch up on things in their personal life. It’s a simple, yet effective idea for workers’ appreciation that will help them relax. Many people don’t feel comfortable turning off the phone or leaving emails unanswered on their days off because they are afraid to lose their employer's trust. You can give the day a name, such as an employee appreciation day. Or you can simply tell your remote employees that it's time for them to take a break. If you can't afford for your team to take off a full day, you can have them take the afternoon off. And if that's too much time, you can let people stop working an hour or two early. Either way, giving your employees some extra free time can be a great way to make them feel good. When they return to work, they may have more energy, so they can enjoy work and get more done. Schedule a Virtual Hangout One of the easiest appreciation rewards is setting up virtual happy hours or game nights with the employees. You may already have video meetings to talk about company updates or client projects. However, most video conferencing programs allow for unlimited meetings. Consider using one of those meetings to host a virtual hangout session for your remote employees. You can set this up at the end of the day or week, and you can have employees bring their own drinks or food. You can catch up on what’s happening outside of work or play online games together. Then, your employees can get to know each other outside of work. They can talk more about their lives and see who they work with on a daily basis. If the first one is successful, you can have virtual happy hours each month or week. That way, employees can connect more with their coworkers. To learn even more about managing remote teams and keeping employees working at home highly engaged, download our ebook now. Download now Be More Flexible One of the best employee appreciation ideas is to give workers more flexibility. If you usually ask people to work a traditional schedule, consider letting people work when they work best. As long as you don't have to do work at a specific time, this can be a great option. Remote employees are busy in 2021, so they may not be able to stay focused for eight hours straight. Consider letting your employees work earlier or later, depending on their schedule. Then, they can get focused and be more productive when they do work. Celebrating Your Remote Employees Showing appreciation for employees in the office can be as easy as playing fun music or bringing in group lunches each month. But recognition rewards aren't as easy when you have remote employees. Fortunately, you can find multiple great opportunities to celebrate and show appreciation to your remote team, such as virtual happy hours. Even though you aren't all together, you can still connect with everyone at work. Do you need help showing your employees appreciation? Learn more about the LIKE.TG’s employee recognition program. Provide equipment for remote work One of the best ways to appreciate remote workers is by providing them with equipment that will allow them to work and achieve their daily goals easily. Most remote workers suffer from neck and back pain and bad posture due to poor working conditions at home. And this negatively impacts their health over time. Your organization can fight these health issues by providing essential office equipment that alleviates stress. Start by creating a list of work-from-home equipment that your employees will need. And send it out to them to ensure that you don’t miss any important equipment. After receiving their requests, have the equipment shipped to their places of work directly. This will not only boost employee engagement but also cut healthcare costs in the future. Try Workmates Interactive Demo Click trough it yourself withinteractive demo. Try It Now About Author: This article is written by a marketing team member at LIKE.TG. LIKE.TG is a leading provider of proven HR solutions, including recruiting, onboarding, employee communications & engagement, and rewards & recognition. Our user-friendly software increases employee productivity, delivers time and cost savings, and minimizes compliance risk.
15+ Best Free Tools for Startups in 2024
When starting a business venture, entrepreneurs are often faced with a sea of challenges. One of these is the need to maintain minimal operational costs while maximizing efficiency in daily operations.We understand that every dollar counts when your venture is young.Therefore, we’ve curated a list of the 15 top free tools for startups that you can utilize to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and navigate this complex business landscape with more ease and confidence. 1. LIKE.TG for customer service managementManaging a new business means that you must understand your customer’s needs and preferences, quickly respond to requests, provide proactive customer service, and communicate clearly with stakeholders.Syncfusion’s LIKE.TG is the best customer service software for forward-thinking businesses that are just starting out, letting them centrally manage customer interactions, track service requests, and collect and analyze customer feedback.It is a cloud-based, modern help desk ticketing software with free tools for startups that empower teams to provide world-class customer experience with minimal effort.LIKE.TG can be customized to organize and track support requests, facilitate collaboration, automate repetitive tasks, streamline workflows, and optimize the customer experience.Key features25 agent accountsAn efficient, end-to-end help desk ticketing system for your support teamA complete task management system that boosts productivityGenerative AI-assist features that complement your support team’s effortsRobust knowledge base software that promotes self-service and information sharingA customer portal that enables customers to send and track ticketsMultilingual help desk features that bridge language barriers for enhanced supportAutomation of repetitive tasks to improve efficiencyTools for seamless integration with your favorite applicationsA user-friendly feedback portal to solicit user feedback and new feature requestsInsightful reporting and analytics on help desk functionality and team performanceTop-notch security and privacy that protects business dataThese capabilities make customer support management a breeze for startups. Schedule a live demo to discover why LIKE.TG is one of the best free software for startups.You can then reach out to the LIKE.TG support team for further clarification on how you can apply for LIKE.TG for startups.2. Canva for graphic designNew business ventures should create appealing logos and graphics for their landing pages, blogs, and social media, as 75% of consumers say that they judge a business’s credibility based on its website design and online presence.With a repository of around a million fonts, photos, and icons, graphic design is effortless with Canva. This platform enables the easy creation of visually appealing content that can make your digital presence felt.With the free version of Canva, user experience teams can choose from ready-to-use templates to create impressive presentations, logos, marketing ads, banner images, business cards, reports, and wallpapers that customers will definitely find professional.3. Logomakerr.ai for free logo designsA well-designed logo can make a significant impact, creating a memorable impression and setting you apart from the competition. That’s where Logomakerr.ai comes in – your go-to tool for creating stunning, professional logos without breaking the bank.Logomakerr.ai is designed with ease of use in mind. You don’t need any graphic design skills to get started.The intuitive interface guides you through the process, allowing you to create a stunning logo in minutes. Simply enter your business name, select your industry, and let the AI do the rest for as low as $29!4. Zoom for video conferencingWith the hybrid work environment becoming a popular choice for employees, Zoom is one of the must-have free tools for startups. The cloud-based video conferencing platform provides unlimited face-to-face video meetings, screen sharing and recording features, and the capability to host video conferences.The free version limits meetings to 40 minutes and 100 attendees, which is usually enough when you’re just getting started.These features offer young businesses the capability to not only promote employee collaboration but also connect with customers from all over the world without breaking the bank.5. Slack for instant messagingSlack eliminates the hassle and confusion startups sometimes go through when communicating with team members across multiple platforms and devices. It is one of the top free business tools for startups that allow diverse teams to communicate efficiently.It does this by creating workspaces so team members can have private group discussions, send messages, and exchange files.While the free version of Slack won’t unlock every feature, it covers most of the things your startup might need in its everyday operations—including 5GB of file storage and integrations with your favorite applications.6. Asana for project managementAsana stands out as one of the most effective project management tools for businesses that are just setting sail. It presents a comprehensive and user-friendly interface that enables seamless coordination of tasks across various teams in a startup.Asana’s basic free tools for startups allow for:Creating to-do lists for ongoing projectsDelegating tasksSetting deadlinesTracking progress in real-timeThe ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and integrate with other essential tools, such as Slack, makes it an even more convenient tool for startups.7. Renderforest for animated videosRenderforest Animated Video Maker offers a simple way to create interesting animated videos right within your web browser, perfect for entrepreneurs looking to make a splash. With more than 500 ready-to-use animated movie templates, this animation software offers a vast collection that includes anything from complex 3D graphics to useful explainer videos.Some of Renderforest’s key features include :Wide-ranging Template Collection: Select hundreds of 2D and 3D designs designed for different types of animation projectsDrag-and-drop Customization: You may quickly alter movies to match the aesthetic of your business by adding text, color, and musicNo Technical Knowledge Needed: Make animations that appear professional even if you have no prior video production experienceAdaptable Use: Excellent for explainers, music visualizers, brand animations, and much moreWith the help of Renderforest Animated Video Maker, video animation is now more affordable and accessible, even for startups with limited resources or technological know-how. This is the perfect tool for companies looking to produce visually appealing and captivating animated videos to pique the interest of potential investors or clients. 8. Google Analytics for SEO monitoringBusinesses periodically need to monitor performance using metrics such as website traffic. Google Analytics gives you real-time insight into how visitors to your site are interacting with it, including where they’re dropping off.It offers a comprehensive suite of features for data analysis, allowing growing businesses to understand their website’s performance, user behavior, and traffic sources.Managers can use this information to:Make data-driven decisionsOptimize websitesImplement effective SEO strategiesGoogle Analytics’s integration with other Google platforms, such as the Google Search Console and Google Ads, further amplifies its utility, providing a consolidated view of various metrics.Moreover, its user-friendly interface, coupled with the fact that it offers free tools for startups, makes it a cost-effective solution for growing businesses operating with limited resources.9. Calendly for event schedulingEven highly skilled secretaries may find it challenging to manually manage events, meetings, and conference calls. Calendly is the best free software for startups that can do all the dirty work for you.With its automated reminders, customizable availability preferences, and the capacity to accommodate multiple invitees, Calendly reduces the administrative workload and improves productivity for new teams.One of its advantages is its capability to integrate with other calendars such as Google, Outlook, Office 365, and iCloud to prevent double bookings and foster efficient time management.10. MailChimp for email marketingNew businesses require great email software to reach out to leads for onboarding and nurturing. MailChimp, a comprehensive email marketing tool, stands out as a good choice for startups seeking to leverage email marketing.MailChimp’s free tier accommodates up to 2,000 contacts and lets a company send 12,000 emails per month, an ideal solution for startups with budget constraints.MailChimp provides customization options, templates, advanced analytics, A/B testing, and segmentation options that enable startups to craft targeted campaigns and measure their effectiveness.Additionally, the free software for startups can integrate with popular event management platforms like Eventbrite to facilitate smooth event marketing operations.11. Google Drive for document managementManaging documents can be a nightmare when you are just getting underway in business. There are loads of legal documents and contracts that you need to take care of.Google Drive is a great free software for startups when it comes to document management.It offers a comprehensive suite of collaborative startup tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, allowing team members to create, share, and edit files in real time, irrespective of their location.The free software for startups provides up to 15 GB of free storage, which is enough for most growing businesses. Moreover, it is compatible across multiple devices, facilitating access to documents on the go.Google Drive also integrates with other applications like Gmail and Google Calendar, making it an adaptable tool. Its robust security features further ensure that sensitive business information remains protected.12. Hootsuite for social media managementEstablishing a strong online presence is critical for startups seeking to capture the attention of consumers who are increasingly turning to social media channels for information about brands.Hootsuite is a good choice for startups looking to maximize their presence and engagement on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Google+ without incurring additional costs.It enables businesses to manage multiple social media accounts, schedule postings, keep an eye on social conversations, and track analytics, all from a single dashboard.13. Zapier for automationZapier is a free automation tool that startups can leverage to enhance operational efficiency. Zapier’s free tools for startups can integrate with over 3,000 apps, including Gmail, Slack, and Trello, without coding, and offers unparalleled efficiency in automating repetitive tasks.New businesses can create an infinite number of workflows, called Zaps, to automate tasks such as email notifications, content management, and file transfers, thus saving valuable time, effort, and resources.14. Trello for task managementNew businesses are prone to chaotic, inefficient processes that can sometimes restrain productivity. Trello is a free task management tool that businesses can utilize to refine workflows and streamline operations.This free tool for startups allows teams to organize tasks into lists and cards, fostering teamwork and transparency across all team members.Trello can be customized to fit a wide range of business models and project management methodologies, making it one of the most adaptable free software for startups. It also integrates with other productivity tools such as Slack, Google Drive, and Dropbox.15. Google Workspace for collaborationGoogle Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, offers a set of free startup tools for collaboration. It consists of a wide array of apps that promote collaboration and improve productivity. These include:Gmail for professional emailGoogle Drive for cloud storageGoogle Meet for video conferencingGoogle Docs, Sheets, and Slides for content creation and editingGoogle Calendar for schedulingThe platform is designed for seamless integration, allowing users to switch between tasks and simultaneously collaborate on projects in real-time.Additionally, Google Workspace’s robust security features, such as two-step verification and single sign-on, provide layers of protection for sensitive business data. Its scalability makes it an excellent choice for startups, as it can easily accommodate growth.16. Cloudways for web hostingCloudways is a set of free tools for startups in need of web hosting solutions. It is renowned for its advanced features, including automatic backups, built-in caches, dedicated firewalls, and SSL installation, all designed to enhance website performance, security, and reliability.It is one of the best free tools for startups that lets businesses easily manage their web hosting, even without extensive technical knowledge.Furthermore, Cloudways allows startups to scale their hosting resources as their businesses grow, in line with their specific requirements and needs.17. Wave for financial managementFinancial management is an integral part of operations for businesses that are just breaking ground. Startups need an effective tool to help manage finances.Wave is a free, all-inclusive financial solution that startups can employ to streamline their financial operations.It provides robust financial services, including free accounting and invoicing, receipt scanning, and payroll management, that are all easily accessible on a user-friendly platform.The free software for startups can:Integrate with other financial systems and institutions for smooth transactionsGenerate financial reportsTrack income and expenses in real timeConnect with financial experts, allowing you to tap into their expertiseProvide valuable insights into a business’s financial healthLeverage the power of free tools for startups to achieve business successThe truth is, most businesses that are just starting out operate on razor-thin margins, and every penny saved can make a significant difference in the long run.The selection of free tools for startups we’ve outlined eliminates cost barriers and offers an opportunity for young businesses to make the most of their resources. From project management to graphic design, these free startup resources cover almost all aspects required for the smooth operation of a startup.With these free startup resources, startups can enhance their productivity, save time and resources, and deliver top-notch customer experiences.Every startup’s toolset may vary depending on its unique needs, but we hope that the ones we’ve shared will offer your venture a robust launchpad and create a strong foundation for sustainable growth.Similar articlesTop 10 Free Help Desk Software and Ticketing Systems in 202315 Best Issue Tracking Software Solutions for 202312 Best Knowledge Management Software Solutions in 2023
15+ Best SaaS Affiliate Programs Offer High Earnings (2024)
Looking for the best products to promote through affiliate marketing? Affiliate marketing has never been better! The promotions are downright easy, and the commissions are an unbelievably great deal.Can you imagine getting regular commissions for months by simply referring customers to products you promote?Don’t miss out!In this article, we will explain what SaaS affiliate programs are, how they work, and their advantages. We’ll list some of the best SaaS ones with their offers. Let’s jump right in! Why choose SaaS affiliate programs over regular ones?When it comes to promoting SaaS products, it’s all about the amount of commission you will get.Most regular affiliate programs pay an average commission between 5% to 15%. Top SaaS affiliate programs have higher commissions of up to 30%.Besides that, SaaS affiliate marketing is also fast-gaining popularity as one of the best marketing strategies across different industries.Reports by Statista show that the affiliate marketing expenditure in the United States has increased over the years. From $2.5 billion in the year 2012, to $5.4 billion in the year 2017 and was at $7.4 billion by 2021. The expenditure was expected to further increase to about $8.2 billion in 2022.Image source: StatistaThis increase in SaaS affiliate marketing expenditure shows that more businesses are shifting to affiliate market as a strategy to reach their customers.What this means is, by promoting these SaaS products, you are assured of huge commission pay-outs that can either be paid once or monthly.Affiliates get paid as long as the clients they refer maintain their subscriptions. What a way for affiliate marketers to earn huge commissions when they promote SaaS products on their pages!Brief explanation of how the SaaS Affiliate Programs operateThe SaaS Affiliate programs generally work as follows: A SaaS company looking to reach a wider target market pays online marketing advertisers.For instance, they can use affiliates such as bloggers and content creators to promote their SaaS products on their pages on social media platforms.The affiliate marketer will get a unique link they can post to their sites to promote the SaaS products and draw traffic to the SaaS company subscription page.Upon successfully closed sales, the affiliate will get a commission for each client who subscribes.Why join a SaaS affiliate program?Daily, SaaS industries seem to be growing both in number and demand. With this drastic digital revolution, many consumers are now in need of SaaS products.Most companies are embracing new AI-powered technologies due to their advantages. Therefore, given that most SaaS products are AI-based, analysts predict that the SaaS industry is set to grow by an even greater percentage in 2024.Due to the growing demand for SaaS products, this might be the right time to be a marketer for SaaS affiliate programs.What makes SaaS affiliate marketing such a lucrative deal? For starters, they offer great transparency of commissions and pricing plans. Additionally, they have easy steps for affiliates to follow as they market the SaaS products.Qualities of SaaS affiliate marketing programs to considerChoosing the right SaaS affiliate programs to promote is key. Your effort should be well worth it. So, what should you look for in these SaaS affiliate marketing programs?Commission ratesConsider SaaS affiliate programs with high commission rates, preferably greater than 20%. The best ones even go a step further to offer recurring commissions and incremental revenue. This means you’ll use less effort and earn more.Cookie periodGiven that a commission is earned based on purchases made within the cookie period, you should go for those with the longest lifespans.Additional featuresTop SaaS affiliate marketing programs have extra benefits, such as affiliate training resources, dedicated account managers, and affiliate dashboards.Company brand reputationSelect SaaS brands and companies that have a good reputation. This will make it easy for you to get clients to make purchases. Consider reading their online reviews and learning everything about the SaaS brand first.List of the best SaaS affiliate marketing programsHere is a list of the 15 best SaaS affiliate marketing programs in 2024 with high commissions:1. LIKE.TGLIKE.TG is cloud-based help desk software that performs outstanding customer service operations. It has powerful help desk features, such as a ticketing system, knowledge base software, canned responses, CSAT surveys, workflow automation, and SLA management.These features help a support team perform tasks seamlessly, and they automate manual repetitive tasks. With LIKE.TG, there is a 100% guarantee of customer satisfaction and a great customer experience!The following aspects make it one of the best SaaS affiliate programs to promote:Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: 30% for the next 12 months upon client subscriptionCookie Period: 90 daysExtra Features: Dedicated affiliate managerAffiliate Page Link: LIKE.TG Affiliate Program2. Brand24Brand24 is a social media monitoring and analytics tool that allows individuals and businesses to track mentions of their brand, products, or services across various social media platforms, blogs, forums, news sites, and other websites. With Brand24, users can monitor their online reputation, track their competitors, identify influencers, analyze sentiment and engagement, and measure the effectiveness of their social media campaigns.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: up to 30% recurring commission per monthCookie Period: 90 DaysExtra Features: Easy money withdrawal, Partner Panel, updates on product releases, dedicated manager, marketing resources, program tiers, co-marketing opportunitiesAffiliate Page Link: Brand24 Partner Program3. Socialchamp.ioSocial Champ is a well-rounded social media management tool that allows you to create, schedule, and publish your content on ten major social media platforms, including Mastodon and BlueSky.The tool is super easy to use, with a visually-stunning UI and a sleek user dashboard. It also comes with an AI suite—exclusively powered by ChatGPT and DALL—E—that lets you create AI content and generate beautiful images within minutes. Moreover, Social Champ is power-packed with features like a centralized social media calendar, analytics, AI-powered best time to post, a unified inbox, and much more!Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: up to 30% recurring commission per monthCookie Period: 90 DaysExtra Features: Visual integrations, bulk upload, first comments, geo-tagging, recycle feature, content suggestion, and more!Affiliate Page Link: Social Champ Affiliate Program 4. CanvaNeed a graphic designing tool that is very user-friendly? Canva has got you covered.It has customizable templates that are readily available, ranging from logos, photos, documents, and many more. It has one of the best bounties in the SaaS Affiliate Programs.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: $36 per new Canva Pro plan subscriberCookie Period: 30 DaysExtra Features: Support resources like how-to guides, community tips, and news to help with promotions.Affiliate Page Link: Canva Affiliate Marketing Program5. Triple WhaleTriple Whale is a top-tier AI data platform for Shopify e-commerce businesses. With this powerful data insight tool, businesses can easily manage their marketing reports and analyze data.It helps them get effective real-time insights on different performance metrics, leading them to make informed decisions.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: Up to 25% recurring commission for 6 monthsCookie Period: 90 daysExtra features: Earn incremental revenue, pays affiliates for any completed demos to referral and uses PartnerStack to manage the affiliate programAffiliate Page Link: Triple Whale AffiliateIt has different commission plans, including:Blue tier (0-15 referrals): $50 for each completed demo + 15% recurring revenue for 6 months Silver tier (16-50 referrals): $100 for each completed demo + 20% revenue for 6 months Gold tier (51+ referrals): $100 for each completed demo + 25% revenue for 6 months6. BoldSignBoldSign is an enterprise-grade electronic signature software and API. You can easily collect legally binding eSignatures online from our app or yours. The BoldSign APIs are blazing fast and let you embed the entire eSignature process into your application seamlessly. It has a rich feature set that includes templates, branding, webhooks, team management, multi-tenancy, and more.The following are the key aspects that help you to promote the BoldSign SaaS affiliate programs:Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: 30% for the next 12 months upon client subscriptionCookie Period: 90 daysExtra Features: Dedicated affiliate managerAffiliate Page Link: BoldSign Affiliate Program7. ShopifyFor anyone looking to start an e-commerce store that has amazing hosting and marketing tools all in one SaaS product, Shopify has you covered!Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: Starting from $29 per month and higher, based on planCookie Period: 30 daysExtra Features: Affiliate support resourcesAffiliate Page Link: Shopify Affiliate Program8. Microsoft Office 365Microsoft Office 365 products have been migrated to SaaS products, with most features automated for better functionality. This affiliate program offers great commissions. The following affiliate marketing advantages are reasons to choose the Microsoft Office 365 affiliate program.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: Up to $10 per new subscriptionCookie Period: 14 daysExtra features: Earn incremental revenueAffiliate Page Link: Microsoft 365 Affiliate Program9. SemRushThis is a powerful digital marketing tool used to improve online visibility and discover different marketing insights. With SemRush, customers perform search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content marketing, and pay-per-click advertising.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: $10 for a free trial; $0.01 upon registration; $200 on first purchaseCookie Period: 120 daysAffiliate Page Link: SemRush Affiliate Program10. PrivyPrivy is a SaaS product designed for email marketing. It provides a platform for online businesses to advertise their products and acquire new clients. It offers powerful features such as follow-up emails, product recommendation, etc. Privy sends targeted messages to potential clients with offers they can’t resist.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: 10% recurringCookie duration: 90 daysExtra features: Dedicated account managerAffiliate Page Link: Privy Affiliate Program11. AWeberAWeber is one of the oldest, most popular, most powerful, yet user-friendly tools for email marketing. Email automation has never been simpler than with AWeber! It has great features such as drag-and-drop, customizable templates, integration with third-party apps, tagging, reporting, and email designers.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: 30% recurring payments per monthCookie duration: 365 daysExtra features: Affiliate training resources; toolkit to track referral updatesAffiliate Page Link: Aweber Referral Program12. UnbounceUnbounce is a smart and powerful AI-powered tool that helps marketers quickly create landing pages as well as obtain content copies for campaigns. It has amazing features that make it worth checking out.Affiliate Program Details Commission: 20% recurring commissionCookie period: 90 daysExtra features: Affiliate training resources, promotional assets, dedicated partner coach, and partner templatesAffiliate Page Link: Unbounce Partner Program 13. LifeLockThis is one of the best tools for identity theft protection during the tax period and other seasons as well. With LifeLock, businesses are guaranteed the safety of their finances as well as their reputation.It encrypts their details and keeps them safe from cyber insecurity. It scans, alerts, and fixes identity theft-related issues.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: $60.00 per saleCookie Period: 30 daysExtra features: Banner rotators, PDF banners, smart linksAffiliate Page Link: LifeLock Affiliate Program14. MoosendMoosend’s affiliate program can benefit both you and your audience. You can introduce your audience to a tool that will help them cut back on cost while increasing engagement and conversion, while you can earn a passive income through lifetime commission.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: The Moosend Affiliate program offers a tiered commission structure.Bronze Group (0-5 paid accounts) with 30% recurring commissionSilver Group (6-10 paid accounts) with 33% recurring commissionGold Group (11-25 paid accounts) with 35% recurring commissionPlatinum Group (26-35 paid accounts) with 37% recurring commissionDiamond Group (36 or more accounts) with 40% recurring commissionsCookie Period: 90 DaysPayout Method: PayPal, Stripe & Wire TransferExtra Features:First-touch attribution modelReal-time reporting and analytics$5 minimum thresholdPromotional resources are all gathered in one place: Affiliate Resource CenterAffiliate Page Link: Moosend Affiliate Program15. Reply.ioReply is an AI-powered platform for sales engagement. It automates multichannel outreach in the sales process to generate more new leads.In addition, it helps businesses get new clients and increase their revenues.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: Up to 30% recurring commissionsCookie Period: 30 daysExtra features: Strong affiliate tracking; open and simple rulesAffiliate Page Link: Reply.io Affiliate Program16. OmnisendOmnisend is a platform that helps businesses with e-commerce marketing through email, SMS, and automation features.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: 20% recurring commissionCookie Period: 90 DaysExtra features: Dedicated account manager; affiliate support resources like ads and bannersAffiliate Page Link: Omnisend Affiliate Program17. ConvertKitConvertKit is a popular marketing hub for content creators with amazing features such as broadcasting emails and creating landing pages. It has great affiliate packages for its promoters.Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: 30% recurring commissionCookie Period: 90 daysExtra Features: Dedicated account managerAffiliate Page Link: ConvertKit Affiliate Program18. TimeneyeTimeneye is a time tracking and productivity software that combines time tracking, light project management features, and visual productivity reporting. It integrates smoothly with other software, such as the Microsoft Suite (Microsoft Planner, Microsoft Teams, Outlook Calendar, Azure DevOps and others), and helps individuals and teams monitor time allocation across different projects, resources, and tasks. Affiliate Program DetailsCommission: 20% lifetime recurring commissionCookie Period: 90 DaysExtra Features: personalized dashboard to track affiliate earnings, media kit to use in blogs and promotions, additional discount for users who sign up through the affiliate link.Affiliate Page Link: Timeneye Affiliate ProgramConclusionWith SaaS products trending, there are many top SaaS affiliate programs to choose from.It’s important to select the program that is most suitable for your target audience, and provide them with the best features.Earn huge commissions from simply promoting these best SaaS affiliate programs! Contact the LIKE.TG support team for any inquiries regarding our SaaS affiliate programs.Related articlesBest Black Friday SaaS Deals in 2023SaaS Affiliate Programs: Benefits and Best Practices for Affiliates
15+ Best Small Business Tools & Software (2024)
Starting a small business can be overwhelming. Anyone familiar with running or owning a small business is well aware of the numerous obstacles and challenges encountered on the path to prosperity and expansion.Thankfully, the progression of technology has led to the development of various software applications designed to simplify business operations and reduce the workload.Selecting the most suitable small business tools can significantly enhance your team’s productivity and efficiency.However, pinpointing that small business software is not easy. In this blog, we explore a selection of tools that have become essential companions for small business owners on their journey to success. Top small business tools to help you boost your productivityOwners of small businesses frequently operate with limited resources, a situation aggravated by rising inflation.Priorities such as enhancing marketing efforts, streamlining task management, or growing your team remain essential, but in times of financial constraint, it may be necessary to try to achieve more with fewer resources.Following is a list of some of the best software for small businesses that we’ve found.1. LIKE.TG for customer service managementLIKE.TG is an excellent customer service software package, providing a comprehensive solution tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.With its user-friendly interface, small businesses can effortlessly manage customer inquiries, resolve issues, and create an optimized customer experience.Top featuresRobust ticket routing systemKnowledge base softwareIntegrationsReports and analyticsAutomationTeam collaboration featuresCustomizable, expandable, intuitive interfaceArtificial intelligence toolsMultichannel supportCustom fieldsAutomated workflowsCustom SLA integrationScalabilityAs entrepreneurs navigate the difficulties of building and growing their ventures, LIKE.TG provides the support, small business tools, and insights needed to offer their customers excellent interactions.Whether you’re looking to organize your customer support service or make informed decisions based on data, LIKE.TG can help small businesses thrive.Schedule a live demo to explore the ways in which LIKE.TG can improve your small business’s operations. Start a free trial to experience the wide array of features available.If you have any questions about the product or how it works, feel free to contact the LIKE.TG support team for assistance.PricingLIKE.TG presents three pricing categories for its customers to choose from, depending on which features you need to access:Scale: $25 for 3 agents/monthGrowth: $50 for 3 agents/monthEnterprise: $75 for 3 agents/monthGet a discount for paying yearly instead of monthly. See our pricing page for current deals and additional discounts.Free trial duration: 15 days2. Canva for graphic designSecuring the services of an expert graphic designer can be a significant investment, which may not be immediately feasible for your budget.Canva, with its user-friendly platform and design capabilities, is a budget-friendly alternative software for small businesses looking to elevate their brand presence.It enables individuals to arrange visuals, text, and other elements via a drag-and-drop interface, suitable for crafting designs for both digital and printed media.Canva offers an array of ready-to-use templates for social media banners, promotional flyers, various events, and a multitude of documents such as presentations, letters, and reports.Canva is a design playground that allows small businesses to design professional and visually appealing content.Top featuresLogo makerVersatile design templatesBusiness card makerPDF editorPricingCanva Pro: $6.49 per month/1 userCanva for Teams: $12.99 per month/5 usersFree plan: Available3. Mailmodo- Email marketing softwareMailmodo aids businesses in constructing and expanding their email automation framework through an intuitive visual builder featuring drag-and-drop workflows for automating time-based drip series.Simplifying the process, they offer an easy way to ensure responsiveness across various devices and include an in-built open rate suggestions feature to rectify errors before sending emails.Moreover, Mailmodo’s AMP technology presents a myriad of interactive elements, including calendars, forms, surveys, live ratings, reviews, polls, and widgets, allowing users to gamify emails directly within the message.This minimizes redirections and enhances engagement, offering a seamless experience for both senders and recipients.Top featuresInteractive emailsSeamless Shopify integrationAdvance email automationA/B testingTriggered campaignsPricingLite: $ 39 per monthPro: $ 79 per monthMax: $ 159 per monthFree plan: A 21-day free trial is available.4. KrispCall for modern telephony businessKrispCall is a cloud-based call center software designed for small businesses, offering an efficient and cost-effective telephony solution.With KrispCall’s advanced call management system, businesses can handle inbound and outbound calls with exceptional efficiency. Its powerful features, including call routing, call recording, and call analytics, enable businesses to optimize their call-handling processes and significantly boost agent productivity.One of KrispCall’s standout features is its Unified Callbox, which allows users to manage all incoming calls, voicemails, and SMS messages in one window. Additionally, KrispCall offers features like live call listening and call recording to enhance call quality and improve customer query handling.Top Feature Global calling Shared phone numbers Wide coverage on 100+countries Call Analytics Call transfer & forwardingPricingEssential- $12 per user per year Standard- $32 per user per year Enterprise- contact to sales team 5. Zapier for automating workflowsZapier is an automation software for small businesses that allows various online applications to communicate and share data with each other.It operates on the principle of Zaps, which refers to automated workflows created to perform specific tasks when triggered by a predefined event.With a vast collection of supported apps, Zapier empowers small enterprises to automate repetitive tasks and integrate their favorite tools without the need for complex coding.Top featuresCustomizable workflowsBusiness process automationReal-time data syncingPricingStarter: $19.99 per monthProfessional: $49 per monthTeam: $69 per monthFree plan: Available6. FreshBooks for simplified proposal processFreshBooks proposal software is designed to simplify and enhance the way you create, manage, and send proposals. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, their software provides an intuitive platform that automates the proposal process, saving you time and increasing your chances of closing deals.By using proposal software, managing client interactions becomes a breeze. You’ll stay organized, keep your clients in the loop every step of the way, and see a boost in overall productivity. This tool encourages seamless collaboration, effortlessly integrating your calendars, tools, and software to create a smoother, more efficient workflow, saving you valuable time.Top features:Customizable TemplatesDownloadableE-Signature IntegrationAnalytics and Tracking/ Easy TrackingCRM IntegrationMultiple LanguagesPricing:Plus plan is $33.00 per month.Premium plan is $60.00 per monthCustomized plan – Talk to their specialistFree plan: A free trial is available.7. Google Analytics for analyzing customer website behaviorFor small business owners who manage a website or engage in content marketing, utilizing Google Analytics is a good idea.This is one of the complimentary small business tools that assists in monitoring the performance of your website, applications, and marketing campaigns.With Google Analytics, you gain insights that can help you create a detailed profile of your audience, including their origins and preferences, allowing you to alter your content to meet their interests.Google Analytics offers a wealth of valuable metrics that can be instrumental for small businesses in refining their online presence, understanding customer behavior, and optimizing marketing strategies.By leveraging this tool, small enterprises can make data-driven decisions that contribute to their overall success in the digital landscape.Top featuresWebsite performance metricsTraffic sourcesContent performanceCustomer journey mappingPricingFree for small businesses.Advanced features require a paid subscription.8. Asana for project managementAsana, a project management and collaboration tool, is a valuable asset for small businesses seeking efficiency and organization in their day-to-day operations.Its features promote collaboration, organization, and efficiency, making it an asset for those looking to enhance project management and streamline workflows.The small business management software allows for the creation of recurring tasks, the delegation of these tasks to team members, and the monitoring of their advancement through a single, tailored dashboard.Top featuresTime trackingDocument sharing and storageGoal managementResource schedulingPricingStarter: $10.99 per user/monthAdvanced: $24.99 per user/monthFree plan: Available9. HubSpot for customer relationship management (CRM)HubSpot CRM stands out as an exceptional small business management software aiming to nurture and expand their customer relationships.This cloud-hosted platform delivers a suite of tools designed to streamline the organization of communications and monitoring of engagement with customers.With its intuitive interface and an array of features designed to enhance customer relationship management, HubSpot CRM should be a consideration for small businesses.Top featuresContact and company managementCustomer databaseLead capture and trackingPerformance metricsPricingStarter: $30 per monthFree plan: Available10. Google Docs for document collaborationGoogle Docs is a prominent option for small business applications. As a free, web-based platform, it facilitates document collaboration among colleagues and associates.This document collaboration platform offers a myriad of benefits, with a user-friendly interface, real-time collaboration features, and seamless integration.Top featuresDocument templatesDocument creationReal-time editing and feedbackEasy sharing and permissionsPricingBusiness standard: $12 per user/monthFree plan: Available11. Trello for task managementEvery small business owner understands that maintaining order and staying ahead of tasks is a daily struggle that must be conquered.Relying solely on basic calendars or to-do lists, or even attempting to memorize all responsibilities, is nearly futile.Trello, a versatile project management tool, is good for organization, particularly when managing a team that includes remote workers.The structure of this small business management software is intuitive, featuring cards, lists, and boards that provide an array of organizational possibilities tailored to the unique requirements of a business.Top featuresEngaging interfaceCollaborative workspaceCustomizable workflowsTask automationPricingStandard: $5 per monthPremium: $10 per monthEnterprise: $17.50 per monthFree plan: Available12. Thunderbird for managing business emailsShould you find yourself uninterested in Google’s complimentary small business tools and instead favoring having your email client and correspondence saved directly on your device, consider Thunderbird.Thunderbird is a reliable and feature-rich solution that meets the communication needs of small businesses and contributes to enhanced productivity and collaboration.This cost-free, integrated small business software offers email, task management, calendar functionality, and team messaging, with a user experience that bears some similarity to the classic Microsoft Outlook.Top featuresAddress bookAttachment reminderMultiple emailsCollaborative featuresPricingFree13. IFTTT for managing integrationsIFTTT is an acronym for “If This, Then That,” and it operates on the principle of creating automated workflows, known as applets, that trigger predefined actions based on specific conditions.This small business software connects various apps, devices, and online services to create seamless automation, eliminating repetitive tasks and saving time for small business owners.The flexibility and adaptability of IFTTT make it a valuable asset for small businesses looking to simplify operations without breaking the bank.Top featuresData securityApp integrationPrebuilt connectorsIntegration managementPricingIFTTT Pro: $2.50 per monthIFTTT Pro+: $10.83 per monthFree plan: Available14. Hootsuite for social media managementFor higher budgets, Hootsuite is one of the best software for small businesses for managing social media activities, allowing you to enhance your social media strategy.This small business software enables users to plan and post content, interact with their audience, and evaluate their social media performance from a unified dashboard.The platform enables the attachment of images and videos and supports simultaneous posting across multiple channels.It ensures that your business remains active online even during off hours and helps maintain a steady flow of content from your company as you focus on other tasks.Top featuresSocial media schedulingTeam collaborationSocial media analyticsSocial media listeningPricingProfessional: $99 per monthTeam: $249 per monthEnterprise: Contact vendor for pricing15. Dropbox for collaborationDropbox provides an online platform for storing files in the cloud, enabling you to synchronize them across different devices.This small business software simplifies the process of sharing files among multiple devices and servers, which is particularly beneficial for teams operating remotely.It is also convenient for distributing sizeable files such as images and graphic designs, advantageous for marketing teams or external consultants you might engage.By fostering collaboration, ensuring data accessibility, and providing robust security measures, Dropbox helps small businesses thrive.Top featuresAnywhere, anytime accessBackup and recoveryIntegration capabilitiesEnhanced securityPricingBasic: FreePlus: $9.99 per user/monthEssentials: $18 per user/monthBusiness: $20 per user/monthBusiness plus: $26 per user/month16. Connecteam for team collaborationConnecteam’s business solution provides software for employee clocking, scheduling, payroll, and task management.This small business software designed to streamline the management of your business and workforce.By integrating essential features into one platform, Connecteam lets small business owners focus on growing their business.Furthermore, all data is securely housed within Connecteam’s robust cloud database.Top featuresDedicated work chatForms and checklistsEmployee schedulingTask managementPricingBasic: $29 per monthAdvanced: $49 per monthExpert: $99 per monthFree plan: Available17. Wave for financial managementWave is accounting software tailored for entrepreneurs, offering an array of features such as invoice, payment, and payroll management and receipt tracking.This software for small businesses alleviates the burden of manual bookkeeping by monitoring your expenditures, managing invoice distribution, producing financial summaries, and reconciling your books.One of Wave’s standout capabilities is the extensive customization options for invoices, allowing users to infuse their brand identity fully and leverage functionalities like recurring billing and autopay systems.Top featuresPayroll managementPayment processingInvoice creationPayment trackingPricingFeatures vary in price.Free features: Available18. Stampli for processing vendor invoicesAs your business grows, so will the number of invoices you need to process. Manual accounts payable processes aren’t easily scalable, meaning you can fall behind on paying suppliers as the number of invoices grows.Stampli’s AI-powered accounts payable automation streamlines invoice processing workflows by learning your workflows and automating tedious tasks like invoice data entry and approvals.With industry-leading customer service and no-code integration with accounting systems and ERP, Stampli can help you get ahead of your invoices so you can focus on your business.Top featuresInvoice data capture and codingCustomized approval routingSeamless ERP integrationCentralized communicationsPricingBy quoteFree trial: AvailableBenefits of using small business toolsSmall business tools enhance can efficiency, productivity, and overall success for entrepreneurs.Here are some key benefits of incorporating the best software for small businesses in your operations:Enhanced productivityProductivity tools like project management software and time-tracking apps help businesses keep projects on schedule and ensure that team members are working efficiently.This kind of small business software provides a clear overview of tasks and deadlines, making it easier to manage workloads and prioritize tasks.Improved efficiencyAutomation features in small business tools streamline repetitive tasks, allowing agents to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their work.Project management tools help organize tasks and deadlines, reducing time spent on coordination and improving overall workflow.Competitive edgeSoftware for small businesses empower companies to compete with larger counterparts by providing access to sophisticated technologies and functionalities at an affordable cost.Staying technologically competitive enhances a business’s ability to attract customers, partners, and investors.Streamlining operationsSmall business tools are designed to automate and simplify various business processes, which can save time and reduce the likelihood of errors.Improving customer relationsCRM systems are invaluable for managing interactions with customers.They help businesses track customer information, sales opportunities, and service issues, leading to better customer service and increased customer satisfaction.Cost savingInvesting in quality software can lead to significant cost savings over time for small businesses.By automating tasks and enhancing efficiency, businesses can keep labor costs low.CollaborationMany small business tools offer collaboration features that enable team members to work well together, regardless of location.Businesses with remote employees or multiple locations particularly find this beneficial.ScalabilityAs a business grows, its needs change. Small business tools are often scalable, meaning they can grow with the business.This scalability ensures that businesses don’t have to switch tools as they expand, providing continuity and stability.Why choose LIKE.TG for small business customer support?For small businesses, every customer interaction is a chance to build success. Choosing the right customer support solution is paramount as you grow.LIKE.TG is a standout choice, offering a comprehensive and tailored approach to take care of the unique needs of small businesses.Following are some of the reasons LIKE.TG is the ideal small business software partner to elevate your customer support:User-friendly interface: LIKE.TG boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, ensuring that small business owners and their teams can quickly adapt and utilize its powerful features without a steep learning curve. The simplicity of navigation allows for efficient customer query resolution, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.Robust ticketing system: The heart of any customer support platform is its ticketing system, and LIKE.TG excels in this regard. The ticketing system organizes and prioritizes customer inquiries, streamlining the support process. Automated ticket assignment and tracking features ensure that no customer concern goes unnoticed, leading to timely and effective resolutions.Scalability: As small businesses grow, their customer support needs evolve. LIKE.TG is designed to scale with the business, accommodating increased customer interactions and team expansion.Affordability: LIKE.TG recognizes the budget constraints of small businesses and offers an affordable yet feature-rich solution. Small businesses can enjoy the benefits of a robust customer support platform without going broke. LIKE.TG’s pricing structure is transparent, allowing businesses to plan and scale without unexpected financial burdens.Efficient knowledge base management: Empower both customers and support agents with a comprehensive knowledge base. LIKE.TG enables businesses to create and manage a repository of articles, FAQs, and guides, reducing the volume of questions employees need to answer individually. A well-maintained knowledge base contributes to faster query resolutions, freeing up support agents to focus on more complex issues.Customization: Recognizing that each small business has its own set of requirements, LIKE.TG allows for extensive customization. Tailor the software tool to align with your specific support processes, ensuring a personalized and effective customer service approach.Robust reporting and analytics: LIKE.TG lets small businesses use robust reporting and analytics tools. Gain insights into customer interactions, ticket resolution times, and overall performance. Armed with these insights, you can make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and continually improve your customer support strategy.Utilize small business tools to elevate your businessEffective management of a small business hinges on the utilization of the right tools for your unique tasks.Whether it’s streamlining project management, managing finances, or boosting team collaboration, the small business tools mentioned in this post are worth considering for small businesses striving for growth and sustainability.By embracing these small business tools, entrepreneurs can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and ultimately, pave the way for lasting success.Related articlesTop 10 Free Help Desk Software and Ticketing Systems in 202315 Best Issue Tracking Software Solutions for 202312 Best Knowledge Management Software Solutions in 2023
16 Best Zendesk Alternatives for Businesses in 2024
Customer support is the backbone of any successful business. If you want to provide your customers with the best possible experience, you must have the right software to help you do that. But how do you know which is the best customer support software for your needs?While Zendesk is the most recognized name in the market, exploring Zendesk alternatives and comparing their features to Zendesk’s is essential to making a good choice. This calls for an understanding of your needs and the selection of tools that align with them.In this blog, we will examine a range of Zendesk alternatives, analyzing their features, strengths, and key differences. Ready to find your perfect customer support software? Let’s get started! Why should you look for Zendesk alternatives?Some of the reasons why consumers are looking for alternatives to Freshdesk vs Zendesk as sourced from customer reviews, community forums, and other similar sources, are:Zendesk’s sophisticated features are only accessible on higher-priced subscriptions, which are not affordable for everyone.Some users find Zendesk difficult to utilize efficiently.Zendesk’s integration procedure is tedious and time-consuming for some.Many customers have voiced fear that Zendesk’s functionality may be overwhelming.Top Zendesk alternatives to considerThere are numerous alternatives to Zendesk that cater to diverse business needs. Let’s dive into the best alternatives to Zendesk and explore their key features and target audiences.1. LIKE.TGOne of the best Zendesk alternatives for startups and small-to-medium businesses.If you are looking for a user-friendly and comprehensive help desk ticketing system that offers a range of cloud-based features, we highly recommend our very own BoldDesk. LIKE.TG is a modern customer service software platform that uses cutting-edge customer support tools to help users organize support requests, collaborate with customers and teammates, and automate repetitive tasks to enhance and streamline the overall customer experience.LIKE.TG is a highly scalable and intuitive solution for businesses who want to offer exceptional customer support for business growth.Key featuresAI copilot for customer supportRobust ticketing systemMultilingual knowledge base softwareHelp desk automationHelp desk customizationTask managementReports and analyticsSecurity and compliance featuresUser-friendly customer portalSeamless integrationsMobile appAdvantages of LIKE.TG featuresIntegrations: LIKE.TG offers an integration feature that allows users to connect with their preferred tools and applications, streamlining their workflow, organizing data, and increasing overall productivity.Robust automation features: LIKE.TG offers a range of powerful automation options to manage ticket routing, eliminate repetitive tasks, reduce manual work, and enhance agent productivity.Email-to-ticket conversion: LIKE.TG utilizes a ticketing system that automatically converts customer emails into tickets, allowing agents to manage and address customer inquiries effectively.Enhanced usability: LIKE.TG is designed with a user-friendly interface, ensuring that both service agents and customers can easily navigate and utilize the software.PricingAgent-Based plans:Scale: $25 for 3 agents/monthGrowth: $50 for 3 agents/monthEnterprise: $75 for 3 agents/monthUnlimited Agents plans:Essential: $799 per monthPro: $1499 per monthBusiness: Contact us Number of agents: 103100Save with LIKE.TG* agent/month billed annually agent/month billed annually$5,040/yearScale $25 for 3 agents Additional agents at $15/moSuite Team$55 for 1 agent$7,392/yearGrowth $50 for 3 agents Additional agents at $32/moSuite Growth$89 for 1 agent$8,868/yearEnterprise $75 for 3 agents Additional agents at $48/moSuite Professional$115 for 1 agentLIKE.TG offers a 15-day free trial and live demos.For inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact the LIKE.TG support team.ProsOffers cost-effective and flexible pricing plansAllows seamless integration with third-party softwareProvides automation tools that streamline repetitive tasksProvides swift support response, ensuring that users receive timely assistanceOffers free and smooth migration, enabling users to save time and migration costsKey differences between LIKE.TG and ZendeskFeatures and unlimited agents: As an example, LIKE.TG offers $1,999/month for unlimited agents with all features included, while Zendesk charges $7,900/month for 100 agents with several major features excluded.User interface: In comparison to Zendesk, LIKE.TG offers a more contemporary and user-friendly interface.Migration: LIKE.TG offers free, expert migration to help customers switch from Zendesk to BoldDesk.Money-back guarantee: In special cases LIKE.TG offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with a 100% refund, no excuse needed.To learn more about LIKE.TG features, take a look at the next video.2. GorgiasGorgias is one of the Zendesk alternatives suitable for small businesses that utilize Shopify.Gorgias is help desk software created specifically for e-commerce companies, with over 12,000 merchants using it.The Gorgias customer support platform helps in connecting and managing all customer service communication channels: email, chat, phone, social media, and SMS in one dashboard. Major e-commerce systems like Shopify all smoothly integrate with it.PricingStarts at $10 for 50 tickets/monthProsAffordable pricing plansShopify integration for e-commerceHas robust customization optionsConsPricing varies with the ticket limitsKey differences between Gorgias and ZendeskPrimary objective: Gorgias is tailored specifically for e-commerce businesses and integrates with numerous e-commerce platforms. Conversely, Zendesk is a broader customer service program.User interface: In comparison to Zendesk, Gorgias offers a more contemporary and user-friendly interface.3. Zoho DeskZoho Desk is one of the alternatives to Zendesk for sales-focused teams.Zoho Desk is designed to help businesses manage their customer service operations. It provides a centralized platform with features such as multichannel support, customizable workflows, AI-powered chatbots, and integration to help users in handling customer queries, support tickets, and other related activities.PricingStarts at $14/user/monthProsProvides a free planOffers cost-effective pricing optionsIncludes automation in all available plansConsThe free plan lacks integrationsKey differences between Zoho Desk and ZendeskCost-effectiveness: Zoho Desk provides a free plan suitable for small teams with limited budgets, whereas Zendesk primarily caters to larger teams with greater financial resources.Automation emphasis: While Zendesk includes automation features, Zoho Desk primarily focuses on its AI-powered chatbot.4. HubSpot Service HubHubspot Service Hub is one of the Zendesk alternatives good for teams in need of a comprehensive CRM tool.HubSpot is a CRM tool that includes a ticketing system and live chat capabilities. It offers a customer service solution called Service Hub, which is particularly advantageous for teams already using HubSpot’s CRM. These products seamlessly integrate, providing agents with relevant information to personalize their support efforts.PricingStarts at $20/month ($18 per month when paid annually) for two users.ProsA comprehensive solution for managing marketing, sales, support, and contentAutomation for marketing and sales tasksA unified content management systemConsOnly includes annual contractsKey differences between Hubspot and ZendeskEcosystem: TheHubSpot Service Hub ecosystem allows for seamless integration of various HubSpot applications. While Zendesk does offer some additional features, its ecosystem is not as advanced as HubSpot’s.Cross-functional team alignment: While the HubSpot Service Hub supports team collaboration and personalization in ticket routing, Zendesk can only allow ticket assignment to a specific team.5. FreshdeskFreshdesk is amongst the Zendesk alternatives suitable for larger teams.Freshdesk is a customer support tool that efficiently converts customer inquiries from emails, phone calls, web forms, chat, and social media channels into manageable tickets.PricingStarts at $15/monthProsIntegrates various customer channels into a shared inboxAllows an entire team to be aligned on one appOffers reply templates to respond to frequently asked or repetitive questionsConsHas limited communication channelsKey differences between Freshdesk and ZendeskCustomer support: Freshdesk offers 24/7 phone assistance to its customers even with lower subscription levels, whereas Zendesk only provides this option for more expensive Premier plans.User interface: Freshdesk offers a more intuitive interface compared to Zendesk, although it is less customizable.6. Help ScoutHelpscout is one of the descent Zendesk alternatives for expanding teams.Help Scout one of the Zendesk alternatives that has features for custom workflows, automation, and reporting to help users check what’s in the queue, reply to customers, assign conversations to teammates, and improve response times.Pricing Starts at $20/25 users/monthProsProvides an excellent user interface for monitoring emailsPossesses a tagging systemFeatures a workflow that streamlines and automates tasksConsLimited knowledge base customizationKey differences between Help Scout and ZendeskPricing: Help Scout offers cheaper plans than Zendesk.Target audience: Help Scout is better for startups and small businesses, while Zendesk is designed for mid-sized and large firms.7. IntercomIntercom is one of the Zendesk alternatives that is effective for self-service assistance and teams wanting chat-heavy features. Intercom interconnects every team and function, allowing them to interact and communicate with their customers in real time.Intercom combines an AI chatbot, help desk, and customer support. Additionally, it allows businesses to engage in conversations with customers at various points of the customer journey, such as onboarding, support, sales, and marketing.Pricing Starts at $39/seat/monthProsThe process of setting up Intercom requires minimal timeIt possesses a comprehensive knowledge baseIt integrates with company websitesConsHas extra usage-based and add-ons feesKey differences between Intercom and ZendeskUser interface design: Intercom’s user interface is contemporary and elegant. In contrast, Zendesk’s user interface may appear more organized and limiting.Messaging-centric approach: While Zendesk primarily concentrates on ticket management, Intercom provides a messaging-centric approach.8. HappyFoxHappyFox is one of the Zendesk alternatives for teams wanting project management features.HappyFox is cloud-web based customer service software that helps businesses in tracking and managing customer inquiries across diverse communication channels.It enables tracking and organizing customer interactions, helping businesses simplify their support procedures and improve customer satisfaction.PricingStarts at $29/user/monthProsProvides live chat supportConducts surveys that are progressive and beneficialOffers a case-management featureConsSome users find the email management capabilities lackingKey differences between HappyFox and ZendeskSmart rules: In comparison to Zendesk’s automation capabilities, HappyFox’s smart rules optimize automated workflows better.Task management: HappyFox provides a task management feature that aids agents in streamlining their workflows. Zendesk does not provide one on its own.9. GrooveGroove is one of the Zendesk alternatives built for enterprise and mid-market companies.Groove, one of the Zendesk competitors, is a sales engagement tool with functionalities such as customization, email management, and knowledge base software.Groove enables sales managers and leaders to execute their strategic plans in a smart way.With Groove, teams can collaborate on accounts in connected workspaces and admins can configure views and workflows by role or by team.PricingStarts at $20/user/monthProsBudget friendlyEasy to useReliable and effective customer serviceConsCustomization and automation options are limitedKey differences between Groove and ZendeskSimplicity and ease of use: While not as customizable as Zendesk, Groove is highly efficient and simple to set up and utilize.Personalized approach: Groove puts an emphasis on personalized customer experiences. Conversely, Zendesk frequently faces criticism regarding inadequate customer support.10. FrontFront is among the Zendesk alternatives for startups focused on account management.Front is a customer service platform with human interaction as its top priority. Front is an option for individuals seeking a user-friendly application, similar to Gmail, for managing customer service.The platform keeps all team discussions in a single place, a shared team inbox. It combines messages from email, live website chat, SMS, and social media channels.Pricing Starts at $19/10 users/monthProsOffers centralized communicationHas comprehensive mobile applicationAdaptable pricingConsLimited reporting and analytics featuresKey differences between Front and ZendeskCollaboration: Front’s software has numerous collaborative features. While Zendesk does offer some collaboration tools, they primarily focus on individual ticket assignment.Channel setup: Front’s channel setup is simpler and faster than Zendesk, which requires more extensive configuration and integration.11. HiverThis Zendesk alternatives solution is for customer support teams who use Gmail but require assistance in handling customer inquiries.Hiver is one of the Zendesk alternatives that integrates with Google Workspace to help teams collaborate on generic email IDs like operations@ and [email protected] than introducing a completely new system, Hiver improves a company’s existing Google Office tools by incorporating customer service functionalities like shared inboxes, analytics, and SLAs.Pricing Starts at $15/user/monthProsSetting up and managing ongoing tasks is easyCustomer support has prompt check-ins and quick responsesSupport emails can be handled with transparencyConsChanging the pricing plans oftenKey differences between Hiver and ZendeskPricing: Hiver offers budget-friendly pricing plans while Zendesk offers slightly expensive pricing plans with certain features that can only be accessed at an extra cost.Canned responses accessibility: Hiver allows every team member to share canned responses, unlike Zendesk, which only allows admins to share canned responses.12. KustomerKustomer is amongst the alternatives to Zendesk for teams wanting CRM capabilities.Kustomer is customer relationship management (CRM) platform that, unlike traditional ticket-based systems, places a strong emphasis on the customers themselves. This CRM wants businesses to have a complete understanding of every customer.PricingStarts at $89/user/monthProsConversational AI enables advanced automationThe interface is customizableCustomer segments can be easily createdConsChallenging learning processKey differences between Kustomer and ZendeskCustomer service: Kustomer provides a customer-oriented method for dealing with inquiries, whereas Zendesk primarily focuses on managing tickets.13. ServiceNowServiceNow is among the alternatives to Zendesk suitable for IT teams.ServiceNow is a cloud-based workflow automation platform that combines all customers’ IT needs into a single platform. Its purpose is to facilitate rapid development and automation. It enables the streamlining of operations and the connection of data and organizational divisions.PricingContact for pricingProsSuitable for IT operations and agile environmentsNumerous options available for ticket automationUser-friendly interfaceConsIt’s capabilities are limited primarily to ITSMKey differences between ServiceNow and ZendeskScope and functionality: ServiceNow provides an array of IT service management solutions. In contrast, Zendesk primarily concentrates on customer support and service management.Customization options: ServiceNow has adaptable customization features while Zendesk’s functionalities are comparatively more restricted.14. LiveAgentLiveAgent is one of the Zendesk competitors that serves as an option for live chat support.LiveAgent offers features that enhance the quality of customer assistance in an online setting. LiveAgent has 200+ native integrations to streamline business communication channels and manage customer interactions.PricingStarts at $9/agent/monthProsUsers are able to monitor conversations from all platformsIt is user-friendlyIt offers efficient back-end tools for acquiring new accountsConsThe mobile apps are not user-friendlyKey differences between LiveAgent and ZendeskPricing: LiveAgent offers a more affordable and flexible pricing structure than Zendesk.All-in-one solution: LiveAgent is an all-encompassing customer support platform, whereas Zendesk offers multiple products you have to purchase separately.15. HelpjuiceHelpjuice is one of the ideal Zendesk alternatives for a cloud-based knowledge base software.Helpjuice is user-friendly and efficient at helping enterprises build and maintain their knowledge bases.PricingStarts at $120/4 users/monthProsDependable customer supportEasy-to-use interfaceComprehensive knowledge base featuresConsLimited integrations, automation and customization optionsKey differences between Helpjuice and ZendeskThe main contrast between the two lies in their areas of emphasis. Zendesk primarily focuses on ticket management, whereas Helpjuice prioritizes the creation and maintenance of internal and external knowledge bases.This is one of Zendesk competitors that places a significant importance on team collaboration and content management above all other aspects.16. GladlyGladly is one of the Zendesk alternatives that is designed to streamline customer service operations. Gladly is an all-in-one platform, letting agents respond to customers across all channels from a single screen but without tickets.PricingStarts at $180/user/monthProsUser interface is user-friendlyExcellent call qualityPersonalized customer supportConsSeparate pricing rates for callsKey differences between Gladly and ZendeskCustomer-centricity: Gladly focuses mainly on individual customer conversations while Zendesk is more for ticket management.Considerations for selecting the right Zendesk alternativesWhen selecting the best Zendesk alternatives for your business, consider several factors:Your company’s needs: Figure out what features you need. Do extensive research on the help desks on the market and the features they provide.Scalability: See which help desk can adapt and grow with your company.Integration: Select a help desk that can be easily integrated with your current apps to simplify your agents’ workload.Customer reviews: Check on reputable software review sites and learn from real customers the pros and cons of each help desk.Support: See what kind of support is available for the Zendesk alternatives you evaluate. Is there self-service documentation? Can you reach live support if needed, either by chat or phone? See if their live support is available during the work hours of your time zone.Cost and pricing plans: Learn about monthly and yearly pricing plans, evaluating which combination of price and features works best for your business.Alternatives to Zendesk summary tableFollowing is a summary table to help you choose the best Zendesk alternatives.NameFeaturesPricingLIKE.TGAI copilot toolsTicketing systemKnowledge base softwareAutomationCustomizationTask managementReports and analyticsSecurityCustomer portalIntegrationsMobile appContact managementStarts at $25 for 3 agents/monthGorgiasTicketing systemIntegrationsLive chatAutomationStarts at $10/50 tickets/monthZoho DeskMultichannel supportCustomizable workflowsAI-powered chatbotsIntegrationsStarts at $14/user/monthHubSpot Service HubLive chatReportingTicketingIntegration with marketing and sales hubStarts at $20/monthFreshdeskOmnichannel ticketingReportingKnowledge base softwareAutomationStarts at $15/monthHelp ScoutCollaboration featuresCustom workflowsAutomationReportingStarts at $20/25 users/monthIntercomCustomizable messengerAutomated messagesIn-app chatTeam inboxStarts at $39/seat/monthHappyFoxTicketing systemKnowledge baseHelp desk reportsTask management systemStarts at $29/user/monthGrooveTicketing systemLive chatRemote access and controlShared inboxStarts at $20/user/monthFrontShared inboxLive chatReports and analyticsAutomationStarts at $19/user/monthHiverAutomationLive chatIntegrationsAnalytics and reportsStarts at $15/user/monthKustomerTicket managementTicket automationKnowledge baseLive chatStarts at $89/user/monthServiceNowTicketing systemIT service management (ITSM)IT operations management (ITOM)IT business management (ITBM)Contact ServiceNow for pricingLive AgentChat routingFile transferSocial media integrationMultilingual supportStarts at $9/user/monthHelpjuiceKnowledge base managementContent managementCustomizable brandingAdvanced search functionalityStarts at $120/4 users/ monthGladlyLive chatTicket managementKnowledge managementUnified customer viewStarts at $180/user/monthChoose your team’s optimal Zendesk competitorWhen selecting a support platform, it is important to have a clear understanding of the functionalities, features, advantages, disadvantages, and pricing of the available options. The alternatives to Zendesk listed in this blog have different features and pricing plans that might suit your company’s specific needs.By exploring these alternatives to Zendesk, you can find a help desk solution that aligns with your business objectives and ensures excellent customer support. We wish you success in finding the right solution for your needs.Should you have any feedback, ideas, or suggestions for LIKE.TG, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your opinion matters to us, and we’re excited to hear what you have to say!Related articles10 Best Freshdesk Alternatives for Businesses in 2024The Best Customer Service Software for 202415 Best Free Tools for Startups in 202415 Best Small Business Tools & Software (2024)
16 Important Tips to improve employee loyalty
In a workplace, how your employee feels hugely impacts your company's productivity. So, whether you are recruiting new employees to the company or reducing employee turnover, prioritizing employee loyalty is a key factor. Nevertheless, it is challenging for companies to keep up with the demands and needs of the new generation of employees. According to the Global Benefits Attitude Survey between December 2021 and January 2022, 53% of employees are actively searching for new employment opportunities or at risk of leaving. It shows that the struggle is not to hire new employees but instead to retain and engage the employees. However, there is no need to worry. A loyalty program can make employees more likely to stay with an organization. So, here is a handy guide that will help you to explore 16 essential tips to improve employee loyalty. What is Employee Loyalty? Employee loyalty refers to the feelings that bind employees to their current employers and prevent them from seeking greener pastures elsewhere. Loyal employees give their 100% and devote themselves to the success of their company. They put their efforts into meeting the organizational goal. Further, they don’t look for alternative employment opportunities as they plan to remain with the organization. Employees show their loyalty when they are paid well, mentored, empowered, trusted, and challenged. Further, they stay in the company for a long time when they are promoted, involved, appreciated, and valued. Employees should have the feeling that the organization wants the best for them. Why Is Employee Loyalty Important? For the development of any organization, employees are a valuable asset. Recruitment, training, employee salary, and benefit costs represent a substantial investment. And loyal employees in the workplace can improve the daily operations of an organization. Your company will see a positive impact from them. Employee loyalty in the workplace is essential for a number of reasons. There are several benefits of employee loyalty. Loyal employees are more likely to stick around during difficult times. This can be important for businesses that experience periods of instability or decline. Hence, it is beneficial to implement a robust employee engagement strategy. Here are several reasons employee loyalty is vital in the workplace: 1. Improved productivity Employees with positive attitudes and motivation can pass the same energy to other employees. And loyal employees are always dedicated to improvements and the organization's success. They are less likely to call in sick, take extended breaks, or engage in other behaviors that can hurt productivity. So, your productivity levels are most affected by loyal employees. 2. Impact customer experience Employees who value their company can communicate these values to customers through daily interactions. As a result, your company's reputation will increase among the community, and your customer loyalty will increase. Further, they will make the people feel and understand your organizational culture. 3. Enhance growth and improvement. Often, loyal employees adopt and adjust new policies or changes first or act as change agents. By doing so, improvement efforts can be more effective, and organizational growth can be achieved. 4. Increase hiring capabilities. Besides reducing employee turnover, it can attract new talent. Employees who feel valued in a company will also recommend other job seekers to work for your company. So you can hire new talents to fill the vacant positions. 5. Healthy work environment Finally, loyal employees tend to be more positive and supportive of the company. So it can create a better work environment for everyone. Overall, employee loyalty is important because it can lead to increased stability, productivity, and positivity in the workplace. These benefits can be especially important for small businesses or businesses that are going through tough times. Why do employees leave? There was a time when employees wanted the security of their jobs only. But today, they want more than that. Multiple roadblocks hindering the employee lead to them leaving their jobs. Some of the reasons why employees leave their jobs are listed below. 1. Lack of career development A report from Statista shows that 41% of employees quit their previous job due to a lack of career advancement. Career progression shouldn't be stunted for any employee. Employees will likely look elsewhere unless the company communicates and provides clear growth opportunities. 2. Inadequate compensation Also, according to the same report above, 36% of employees leave the job because of inadequate compensation. So, you need to ensure that your staff is compensated fairly and in line with industry/market standards. 3. Lack of recognition A lack of recognition or appreciation for employees' hard work eventually leads to unhappiness and low motivation. 4. Ineffective leadership Leaders can significantly affect employee morale, whether they are CEOs or direct managers. Chaos can quickly occur when work environments lack clear goals and effective leadership. 5. Poor work-life balance Setting realistic boundaries and expectations with your team is vital to maintaining employee satisfaction and promoting a healthy work-life balance. How to build employee loyalty & commitment? You can do a few key things to build employee loyalty and commitment within your organization. - Ensure you know your company's mission and values and that your employees know them. - Provide opportunities for employees to grow and develop within the company. - Give employees a sense of ownership in the company through stock options or profit sharing. - Create a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. Doing these things will create a strong sense of loyalty and commitment among your employees. However, to know the best tips that help you to improve employee loyalty and retention, continue reading the guide. 16 Effective Tips To Improve Employee Loyalty & Retention in 2023 Avoid any communication gaps. It is important to have an open communication channel to keep the employees loyal to their company. The employees should feel free to discuss the issue and give feedback about the work. You should engage your employees in the workplace. Engagement can be either physical, cognitive, or emotional. Make sure there are no communication gaps between team leaders and members. When you have all of your workers on-site, this isn't a big deal. But if you have remote workers, you should make sure they communicate well. Communication tools at work include video conferencing software, instant messaging, and voice calling. You can use your regular mobile or landline for an audio call. However, using virtual phone numbers is best for avoiding the communication gap within the company. Understand what your employees need and try to cater to them The major concern of almost every employee is that no one listens to them. But employers should listen to their needs. Employees who feel fulfilled by their jobs do not search for other opportunities. Provide an efficient way for employees to express concerns or share ideas. It is easy to provide your employees with the type of benefits they prefer once you know what they like. Take feedback and act on them. Stop Conflict Before It Begins witha Culture of “Thank You” Does your organization foster a culture of micro-rewards and gratitude? If you’re not sure or the answer is “no,” your company culture could be contributing to workplace conflict. Building a culture of “thank you” can be difficult (especially with remote teams), but it doesn’t have to be! Learn more in our eBook, "10 Free / Low-Cost Employee Recognition Ideas.” Learn how! Employees and management should have a continuous feedback channel. Don't assume what your employees need or want. Ask them directly what is working for them and what isn't. By doing this, you have the chance to collect valuable feedback. The employee's feedback may not be possible to address directly. But it is still worth exploring whether a mutual course of action can be agreed upon. But employees may not wish to give their opinions if their feedback is not acted upon. Acknowledge their good work and appreciate them. Appreciating employees' hard work is one of the best ways to increase employee loyalty and promote growth. So, managers or supervisors should appreciate whenever an employee goes beyond what is expected and performs well. You can use either a no-cost or low-cost employee recognition program to implement them. Further, public recognition is an effective way to motivate your employees. You can use the Wall of fame to recognize their efforts in work socially. Seeing that their efforts are appreciated makes them feel motivated and valued. You can also use sticky notes to write genuine appreciation and stick them in front of their desk or on the wall of fame. However, providing your employees with negative feedback is also important, as long as it’s constructive. Help employees with their work-life balance Your employees may go through so much in their personal and professional life. So, it may be hard for them to manage their personal and professional life. Whether they need financial help or extra days' leave, consider it. Prioritize your employee’s wellness because it will increase employee loyalty. Address toxic workers. An American survey found that 82% of workers would quit their job if their manager were a bad manager. A toxic person can make the whole workplace toxic. An environment that is toxic can affect someone's mental state and reduce their productivity since it is impossible to work in such an environment. So, make sure to deal with that toxic managers and decrease the turnover rates. Offer competitive & fair compensation and pay rise. Provide a competitive salary to a deserving candidate because one reason employees leave the job is less salary. Paying competitive salaries to high-turnover employees is an excellent way to maintain loyalty within your company. When filling difficult positions, high salaries can help relieve stress. Offer incentives and perks. Besides direct compensation, you can offer incentives. When employees have stock options, they are more likely to connect corporate success with personal success. It encourages them to work harder toward company success. Offer great perks to your employees to build loyalty between employer and employee. Invest in perks like free time, gym memberships, flexible scheduling, employee discounts, health plans, and personal development programs. Company swag items you can use as incentives include branded drinkware, food trucks, hybrid workplace essentials, tech items, travel essentials, and more. Give responsibilities and ensure professional growth. Workers want to develop skills and grow in their careers. So by acknowledging their skills and experience, you should assign responsibilities and ensure their professional growth. Employers seeking long-term employee loyalty can increase employee loyalty by providing latitude in their roles. Co-create your strategy Top-down loyalty strategies are not effective. Managing and leading shouldn't be the only people responsible for creating and implementing it. They should discuss it with other workers too. If you want a high engagement between employees and managers, it's better to co-create your strategy. It will help you to design a strategy that will help your company and individual. Ensure a positive and safe work environment. “Our staff has praised the increased communications level Workmates delivers. We use it to communicate important project matters and give staff specific ‘kudos’ or even recognize their birthdays. More importantly, we use Workmates to clarify important project details that needed rapid dissemination among the entire team.” Christopher Baggott Chief Executive Officerator of Medlinks Cost Containment, Inc. and Medlinks Staffing, LLC. Learn More Employees should not experience a sense of dread when they come to perform duties in the office. No one likes to hear disrespectful comments, be treated badly, or act in a negative manner. So, create a work-positive environment and make your employees happy. Owners must promote an open, respectful, patient, and tolerant company culture. Even when a problem arises, solve them calmly without making the environment chaos. Offer flexibility in work. By providing your employees with flexible work hours, you allow them to plan their schedules according to their lifestyles and needs. It will generate more productive employees. Increasingly, people are working from home with multiple responsibilities daily as remote jobs become more prevalent. Most people say they don’t want to leave the company because they have such flexibility. So, a flexible working schedule is vital. Invest in education, training, and development According to the report, 86% of millennials would stay in their current jobs if their employers offered training and development. Improving the skills of your employees in the workforce by investing in education and training is a win-win strategy. Not only will it help you increase your company's productivity, but it will also increase employees' loyalty. However, before organizing any type of training, you must understand the types of education your staff wants. So, you must communicate with employees. Recognize the jobs of employees and provide them with the training needed to them. The education or training can be related to either manager coaching and mentorship, stretch assignments, or online training sessions and webinars. Remove unnecessary uncertainty and insecurity. How Much Can Workmates Save You? Higher engagement More features Half the cost Learn More Doing tasks that are not necessary for now might frustrate your employees and decrease your business revenue. So, eliminate such unnecessary tasks. Further, uncertainty is a common feature of the workplace today. Innovation constantly disrupts previously stable markets during a time of rapid economic change. Employees can be unhappy living in an environment where their future is unsure. So when they are stressed, it reduces the company's productivity. Even though you cannot fix the economy, you can help your employees cope with changes by providing notice and briefing them. Conduct recreational programs and celebrate milestones Celebrating milestones is another way to show your employees their dedication and loyalty are appreciated. Thus, if you want your workers to stick around your company, it is essential to appreciate them and celebrate employee milestones. Whether it's work anniversaries, the biggest achievements, or a birthday, celebrate them, offer a gift card and make your employee feel special. Encourage teamwork The employees should not feel alone in doing the work and that the management is not helping them. Employees get to know each other better when they work together on tasks. Further, they feel more loyal to the company and team when they share a common goal. No credit card needed Less than 5 min to set up Conclusion To be successful, an organization must have loyal employees. In today's automated, fast-paced, technology-oriented world, time is money and everyone is looking for ways to save time. In such a situation if you'd think keeping employees engaged and happy is easier than ever, then you are wrong. However, to solve this problem and keep your workforce engaged and motivated, check out these essential tips for improving employee loyalty in 2023. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Have another question? We'd love to hear it. Book Your Free Demo What are the main factors that can increase employee loyalty? Some of the factors that increase employee loyalty are: - Salary - Active participation and interaction - Recognition and Rewards - Goal Setting - Leadership - Training and development, - Job security - Flexibility balance between work and life, - Empowerment. - Employee Engagement How do you keep employees loyal? The things that you should consider to keep employees loyal are: - Competitive Salary - Motivation and Appreciation - Career development and growth - An open line of communication - Flexibility - Positive work environment - Reward and incentive for High Performance How do I win over my employees? You'll need to show them that you're a competent and trustworthy leader. Here are some ideas for achieving this goal: - Be a personality - Show your ability - Arrive early and stay late - Be collaborative - Tackle issues - Provide occasional treats - Be discreet $(document).ready(function () { $(".show-hide-faq").click(function () { var el = $(this).parent(); var answer = el.children(".answer"); if ($(this).hasClass("bg-plus")) { $(this).removeClass("bg-plus"); $(this).addClass("bg-minus"); } else { $(this).removeClass("bg-minus"); $(this).addClass("bg-plus"); } answer.toggle(); }); });
2 million reasons to help the nonprofit sector solve world challenges
Updated May 8, 2024At LIKE.TG, we’re driven by our purpose to make the world work better for everyone. To that end, one of our top priorities is helping the global nonprofit sector digitally transform its operations.That’s why we launched the ServiceNow.org Partnership for Good Grant: to provide nonprofits with technology that will allow them to do better business and more good.In 2024, we committed to award four grants—up to $2 million in total value—to individual nonprofits that use technology in impactful ways to enable greater efficiencies and better serve their communities.I’m delighted to share the four exceptional nonprofits that have been selected as the inaugural recipients of the grants: CARE, a leading humanitarian organization working to increase access to quality education for marginalized children, is developing an AI-enabled education program tracking tool through the grant. Education and Youth Services grantee in collaboration with KPMG JEVS Human Services, which works with individuals to create sustainable paths to independence and economic security, will develop a universal portal for staff and participants in its programs. Hunger and Poverty Alleviation grantee in collaboration with Accenture Make-A-Wish Canada, working with communities across Canada to provide children with critical illnesses the opportunity to realize their most heartfelt wish, will establish an end-to-end workflow for wish fulfillment. Cause and Cure grantee in collaboration with NewRocket WaterAid provides clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education to communities worldwide and will implement LIKE.TG IT Service Management throughout its organization. Humanitarian and Disaster Response grantee in collaboration with EY Changing the world for the betterAs the president of ServiceNow.org, I see immense opportunity for more nonprofits to use the LIKE.TG platform and want to extend its reach to even more organizations across the sector.There are so many ways we can seek to change the world. For us at LIKE.TG, access to technology is the most practical way we can help solve the world’s greatest challenges that confront nonprofits.These grants give four nonprofits access to LIKE.TG technology—as well as related consulting services to deepen their impact—so they can deliver outcomes at the same level as their for-profit counterparts.We’re also giving the grant winners access to LIKE.TG professionals who have the business and technical skills to support successful adoption. This includes access to our workflow design studio team, which will collaborate on designing bespoke solutions.Partnering for maximum impactIt’s not just LIKE.TG leading the charge. Our partner ecosystem is also leaning into the Partnership for Good Grant program. Erica Volini, senior vice president of global partnerships at LIKE.TG, believes collective action and collaboration are at the core of creating impact.“I’m thrilled our partners are joining us to help bring the transformative power of technology to the nonprofit sector,” Volini says. “It demonstrates two things: one, our united purpose in making the world work better, and two, the strength of our relationship in delivering our technology across varied sectors.”Accenture, EY, KPMG, and NewRocket will each align to one of the categories of grants and be the dedicated implementation partner with the corresponding nonprofit. The four categories are: Cause and cure Humanitarian and crisis relief Poverty and hunger alleviation Education and youth services Increasing access to resources“Accenture believes that technology and human ingenuity can help address some of the world’s most critical challenges and improve the way people work and live,” says David Kanter, senior managing director and LIKE.TG Business Group lead at Accenture. “Drawing on our extensive experience with LIKE.TG technology, we look forward to applying our expertise to help nonprofits deliver better outcomes and scale their impact for greater good.”“To achieve our purpose of building a better working world, EY collaborates with like-minded organizations to positively impact millions of lives," adds Hank Prybylski, global vice chair for transformation at EY. "By joining LIKE.TG as the implementation partner for humanitarian and crisis relief, our mission is to use technology to coordinate rapid responses in the immediate aftermath of disasters and support communities to not just recover, but also build back better.”“We are thrilled to join LIKE.TG's Partnership for Good Grant program, where we will provide funding for the education and youth services category,” says Anita Whitehead, president and chair of the KPMG U.S. Foundation. “Furthering our strong alliance relationship with LIKE.TG, this program aligns with our commitment to increase access to resources, like powerful technology, to make a positive impact in our communities.”The ServiceNow.org team and our partners in this program are thrilled with the response and sheer number of high-quality applications we’ve received from the global nonprofit community. We’re honored by their desire to use LIKE.TG technology to further their missions.I thank Accenture, EY, KPMG, and NewRocket for their outstanding partnership in this program and their support in providing best-in-class advisory services to our grantees. Congratulations to our four incredible grantees!Find out more about ServiceNow.org and the dedicated team helping the global nonprofit sector digitally transform.
20 Best Customer Service Tips to Boost Your Customer Service
A business’s ability to differentiate itself from competitors hinges significantly on superior customer service.In a highly competitive marketplace offering comparable products, customer interactions can leave an enduring impact on your customers.One Microsoft study indicates that 96% of participants consider customer service a significant factor in their decision to be loyal to a brand.By providing gratifying experiences to your customers, they remember you and share their positive experiences with others.Your customer service team represents your company, and the customer experience is shaped by the proficiency and excellence of the support they receive.Customer service is challenging, requiring a perfect blend of communication skills and in-depth product knowledge to offer an exceptional customer experience.This blog reviews excellent customer service tips to help you grow your business and improve your customer service. Top customer service tips you need to knowProviding exceptional service is a cornerstone of any successful business. Support agents are often a client’s first point of contact, making their performance crucial to the overall customer experience.PWC reports that after one negative experience, 32% of customers would cease dealing with a brand they previously loved.Here are some strategies to help support agents deliver top-notch service.1. Practice active listeningCustomers communicate because they want to be understood. Allow them to express their concerns and treat those concerns with gravity.Listening is a powerful learning tool. Stay attentive, as you may receive crucial information that could distinguish between resolving an issue and failing to do so.It is essential to listen to customers, as you can only offer effective assistance by comprehending their needs.Active listening involves:Attentive listeningAnalysis of the speaker’s wordsUnderstanding the speaker’s intentResponding thoughtfully, often with additional questionsBy employing active listening techniques, agents can foster customer relationships, inject empathy into conversations, and ensure the customer feels listened to, understood, and valued.This enables agents to provide more effective service.2. Be accessibleIn customer service, accessibility significantly influences customer experience. Being accessible means being available and easy to reach whenever your clients need assistance.Your customers should not be terrified at the thought of contacting your business for support.It should be easy for your customers to contact you when needed. Accessibility in customer service is vital for several reasons.It facilitates building trust and loyalty among your clients. Clients feel valued and appreciated knowing they can easily contact you for help.It resolves issues quickly, thereby improving customer satisfaction.It gives you a competitive edge.3. Understand your customers and their needsIn any business, understanding your clients and their needs is crucial.This is especially true in the service industry, where the success of your business depends on your ability to meet and outdo customer expectations.Gaining a clear understanding of why your customers choose your product over a competitor’s, and what they appreciate most about your offerings, will enhance your ability to serve them effectively.Understanding your customers, their reasons for investing in your product, and their likes or dislikes about your company is irreplaceable.It is key to providing efficient customer service and keeping customers satisfied.4. Foster a communityIn customer service, fostering a community is crucial to significantly improving the overall customer experience.This involves creating an environment where customers feel valued, heard, and connected.You can set up an online community, social media forum, or chat forum where your existing customers or potential clients interested in your business’s offerings can pose questions, discuss solutions, and provide mutual support.Fostering a community in customer service can have numerous benefits for businesses.It can help to:Enhance customer experienceIncrease customer loyaltyStrengthen brand imageBusinesses can successfully foster a community in their customer service by engaging regularly, providing value, encouraging participation, showing appreciation, and promoting a positive environment.5. Personalize your interactionsOne of the important strategies for improving customer service is creating a meaningful experience with a touch of personalization. This involves:Understanding customer preferencesUtilizing data-driven insightsAdopting strategies that provide tailored solutionsMcKinsey & Company research indicates that 71% of consumers anticipate personalized interactions with companies they choose to interact with. The study also reveals that 76% of consumers become frustrated when these expectations are unmet.For SaaS businesses, personalization could mean adapting your service to cater to each customer’s needs.This could entail offering custom pricing based on purchase volume, personalized training, or custom integrations.While automated email templates addressing the customer by first name may be useful, genuine personalization makes customers feel like they’re interacting with a human, not just a business.6. Maintain clear and precise communicationFeeling lost and unsure about what’s happening is one of the most disheartening situations for your customers.Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful customer interaction.The customer needs to comprehend precisely what actions are being taken or what is being offered.Given that your customers have a busy schedule, they would appreciate a streamlined communication process.Ensure the language is clear and comprehensible.7. Give priority to resolving issues at the first contact (FCR)No one enjoys repeatedly reaching out to a business for the same issue. Customers expect prompt and effective responses when they encounter issues or have questions regarding products and services.Responding promptly is essential, particularly when dealing with client requests that are time-sensitive.Practicing first contact resolution (FCR) is one of the best strategies to maintain customer satisfaction and position your company as an exceptional service provider. This means resolving your customers’ issues upon initial contact.Customers highly value having their issues promptly and effectively addressed on the first attempt. Solving problems the first time around is essential for support agents.This not only enhances user experience but also improves support team efficiency. The goal is to resolve an issue without needing follow-up.8. Assist customers across various channelsOne top-notch customer service tip is to provide your customers with various ways to reach you.Customers anticipate a seamless, multi-channel interaction, which necessitates engaging with them on their preferred platforms.The choice of channel may differ depending on:The problem at handCustomer demographicsThe ease of access to a specific channelOmni-channel customer support unifies various channels to provide consistent service and a unified brand experience across all platforms.As a business, it’s crucial to identify the channels your customers prefer to use when connecting with them. Leverage these channels to boost engagement and deliver high-quality support effectively.Such channels may include:Email supportPhone supportSocial media supportLive chat supportThese platforms ensure a smooth customer experience regardless of the chosen channel.You can offer high-quality customer service by being present across all customer touchpoints and maintaining service consistency.9. Educate and train agents on essential customer service skillsCustomer service representatives devote their time to responding to customer inquiries, problem-solving, and occasionally spotting sales prospects.To accomplish this effectively, they need a thorough understanding of the customer’s context and situation and a comprehensive knowledge of products and services.Customer service training equips your team with the necessary customer service skills to cope with even the most challenging circumstances.Enhancing your support team’s emotional intelligence, comprehension, communication skills, attentiveness, patience, time management, and issue resolution is crucial.Through regular training sessions, customer service representatives can fine-tune their abilities and gain new ones.This improves their speed and quality, delivering faster outcomes.10. Do regular follow-upsCustomers can be negatively impacted if you don’t consistently follow up with them after their interactions with you.It is vital to ensure you follow up with your customers to verify that their issues have been correctly handled and that they are pleased with your service.A brief phone call, a short support email, or even a customer feedback survey can effectively communicate your appreciation for your customers’ time and support.11. Resolve urgent customer issues firstIn customer service, it’s crucial to prioritize tasks effectively. The nature of customer issues or requests can vary greatly—some necessitate immediate attention and resolution, while others can be addressed more leisurely.One of the most important aspects of this is identifying and resolving urgent issues promptly.Urgent issues often involve situations significantly impacting the user’s experience or operations.These can range from technical problems preventing the user from using a product or service, to billing issues affecting their financial status.Promptly resolving these issues can maintain user satisfaction and trust. Using free help desk software, your agents can classify support tickets as high, low, or medium based on urgency.This enables your team to organize their day efficiently and avert any potential negative impact on your business.12. Simplify the process of gathering customer feedbackFeedback is a crucial element that helps businesses understand their customers’ needs and expectations.Regular feedback collection can aid in capturing critical customer viewpoints and pinpointing areas for enhancement.The easier it is for users to provide feedback, the more likely they are to do so.This can be achieved by creating straightforward feedback forms, providing multiple channels for feedback (such as email, social media, and your website), and making sure these channels are easily accessible.Simplifying the process of gathering feedback can lead to more valuable insights and a better understanding of your users’ needs and expectations.You can make the process more efficient and effective by using automated tools, making it easy for users to provide feedback, asking the right questions, acting on feedback, and regularly reviewing and updating your feedback process.13. Exercise empathy and patienceYour customer support team can stand out through empathy. Your customer service teams must be ready to empathize with your clients and consistently deliver consistent service.When customer service representatives demonstrate empathy, they recognize and validate the customer’s emotions and worries.This fosters a positive exchange and facilitates a more effective resolution to the problem.Companies can enhance empathy in customer service by teaching representatives to comprehend various customer situations and respond suitably.There will be numerous occasions where customers are perplexed and require time to understand the solution. You must give them time rather than having them depart with a negative impression.Establishing a supportive and appreciative atmosphere can assist agents in positively dealing with customer interactions.14. Make use of customer service templates and canned responsesOne way to achieve efficiency and accuracy in customer service is through service email templates and canned responses.These are prewritten messages that agents can use to answer recurring questions, making it quicker to respond to customers via email, chat, text message, or social media.They provide a standard format for responses, ensuring that all necessary information is presented clearly and professionally.They also save time by eliminating the need to type out the same response multiple times, and they ensure consistency in information.While these tools can be highly beneficial, using them correctly is vital to avoid sounding robotic or impersonal.15. Choose the right toolsWhile speed may not be the chief concern of customer service, response time is significant. When interactions become routine, rapidly addressing common problems can save your support representatives time.This is where automation and help desk software solutions come in.With the appropriate help desk software, you can integrate numerous tools and establish a connection between your customer service team and your clientele.Effective customer support involves a blend of technology and personal interactions.Help desk software provides a comprehensive customer experience platform that facilitates impactful customer interactions and optimizes customer service.Selecting and deploying the appropriate customer service software is critical in promoting customer engagement with your brand.This enhances your brand’s credibility and delivers exceptional customer experience.Leverage AI tools in customer support to streamline repetitive or manual tasks.This can minimize wait times and enhance efficiency, enabling customer support representatives to concentrate on more complex issues.16. Use positive languageLanguage can significantly impact the experience of the person on the other side of the conversation. Positive language is a powerful tool that builds a more positive client experience.It can also aid in building trust and rapport with the person you are communicating with.Using positive language makes you more likely to create a positive impression and make the other person feel valued and respected.This is crucial for customer service that focuses on the assistance you provide and the actions you can take rather than on your limitations.If a customer requests something unfeasible, positive language can propose an alternate solution that is doable and beneficial to the customer.By shifting the conversation from negative to positive, the emphasis is on the solution. This approach, which puts the result in the spotlight, decreases the likelihood of the customer becoming upset.Using positive language can prevent unintentional conflicts that arise from miscommunication. The shift may be subtle, but the impact is significant.17. Encourage self-serviceSelf-service is a powerful tool that allows users to find solutions to their problems without directly interacting with support agents.Nuance Enterprise reports that 67% of the survey participants favor using self-service tools rather than conversing with a representative from the company.It’s not a new phenomenon that customers prefer self-service. Understandably, seeking answers from a knowledge base , FAQs, or video tutorials for minor, non-urgent issues is simpler than contacting customer support.Consumers believe that self-service options enhance the quality and efficiency of customer service.By promoting self-service, support agents can focus on more complex issues requiring their expertise, eliminating your clients’ dependence on your team to provide all solutions.18. Show your customers appreciationCompanies must express gratitude for their customers and provide coupon to retain them. A mere “thank you” to a customer can go a long way in fortifying the relationship with them.Take a moment to express your gratitude to your customers for trusting you and your services. Such gestures play a crucial role in strengthening customer relationships.Showing appreciation for your customers has a significant impact: It cultivates loyalty, enhances retention, and encourages word-of-mouth referrals.Offering your dedicated customers special discounts and early access to new features is a successful strategy for enhancing the customer experience.These rewards can make them feel more appreciated and significant.If feasible, consider providing memberships, loyalty cards, and other coupons to maintain their satisfaction and ensure continuous patronage.19. Take customer complaints seriouslyTo enhance customer service and expand your business, understand customers’ positive and negative experiences.Harsh remarks do not necessarily reflect insightful knowledge, and disgruntled customers do not always indicate a problem.However, you can sometimes find valuable feedback within bitter comments—give serious consideration to each one. Keep in mind that no business is flawless.It’s natural to desire only positive feedback about your company, but in reality, negative reviews are inevitable no matter how much effort you put into satisfying your customers.While negative feedback can be difficult to swallow, see it as an opportunity to improve your customers’ experience.Gathering feedback can serve as an excellent strategy for improving your overall brand.It’s essential to solicit customer feedback about products and maintain regular contact with your customers.20. Select the appropriate closing remarksThe customer journey extends from the first interaction to the final impression. How you end a customer conversation is just as crucial as how you start it.A rude or poorly timed ending can ruin a deal and may lead to the customer not reaching out to you again.Make sure to part ways with your customers on a positive note. A simple farewell that says, “Have a nice day,” can go a long way in leaving a powerful impression.It’s equally vital to explicitly convey the forthcoming steps to the customer, particularly if their concern remains unresolved.Enhancing your closing skills can improve every interaction. This doesn’t only pertain to sealing a deal but also to concluding a conversation with a customer.Leverage customer service tips and elevate your service skillsProfessionals in customer service often serve as the initial touchpoint for customers.Regardless of how exceptional your product may be or how proficient your customer support team is, customers are likely to remember the direct interaction with your company the most.Delivering outstanding customer service is a sure way to attain and retain contented customers who will stay loyal to your brand and advocate for it.By adhering to the above customer service tips, you guarantee the success of your customer service team.Schedule a live demo to explore how LIKE.TG can improve your business operations and enhance your customer service team.Start a free trial to examine the extensive range of features available. If you encounter any inquiries about the product and its capabilities, please feel free to contact the LIKE.TG support team for assistance.Related blogsImportance of Good Customer Service10 Best Templates to Write Apology Emails to Customers10 Common Customer Service Mistakes to Avoid10 Examples of Bad Customer Service and How to Fix Them10 Important Customer Service KPIs to Track
20 Employee Engagement Statistics You Need to Know
High employee engagement leads to higher productivity, higher job satisfaction, more sales, and higher revenue. When your employees are actively engaged in the workplace, they feel happier and ready to go above and beyond to achieve your company’s goals. Now the question is: Are you doing everything you can to engage your employees and maximize their potential? It is interesting to note that a little above 20% of employees are engaged in their workplaces. Although some researchers have argued with this stance, the numbers are relatively between 30 percent to 40 percent of disengaged employees. More interesting statistics below should motivate you to focus more on employee engagement and nudge you in the right direction. Let’s dive in. Workmates Self-Guided Tour We’ll show you how Workmates can engage everyone in your organization, transform your culture, and drive productivity to new highs. Start Now Only 36% of Employees Are Engaged in the Workplace According to the latest Gallup report, 51% of employees are disengaged in the workplace, while 13% are actively disengaged. Actively disengaged means feeling miserable at work and spreading negativity to their colleagues. While 36% of engaged employees is a rather low percentage, it’s the highest since Gallup started measuring employee engagement back in 2000. The number of actively disengaged employees is the lowest since 2000. In 2017, 85% of employees were disengaged in the workplace, which was a years-long trend. In 2019, the percentage dropped by 10%, meaning that 35% of workers were engaged at the time. Although employee engagement levels are barely higher now, it’s a surprise that they haven’t dropped due to the pandemic. It shows that many companies have clearly been doing an excellent job of improving employee engagement. A Highly Engaged Workforce Increases Profitability by 21% Another Gallup’s report on employee engagement shows that companies with a highly engaged workforce have 21% higher profitability. They also have 17% higher productivity than companies with a disengaged workforce. The reasons for this are clear from point number one. Engaged employees lead to a more productive workforce because they are motivated to complete their tasks on time and successfully, even going the extra mile to reach their goals and objectives. They’re better at meeting customers’ needs, which leads to more sales and higher revenues. Engaged employees are also happier, report lower absenteeism, and tend to be more loyal. Image from Career Employer Employee Disengagement Costs the U.S. Economy $450-550 Billion Every Year A study on employee engagement found that companies in the U.S. lose between $450-$550 billion each year due to disengaged workers. That’s partly because of employees’ lack of motivation and a lower sense of responsibility, resulting in lower productivity, errors in work, missed deadlines, poor customer service, and lower profits. A single disengaged employee can cost a company about $3,400 in lost productivity for every $10,000 in salary. It’s also because many disengaged employees quit their jobs at some point, leaving the employer to reinvest in hiring, onboarding, and training. Many of them even spread negativity through word of mouth, harming an organization’s chances of attracting quality hires. 38% of Remote Employees Feel Exhausted After Daily Virtual Meetings A recent study on the effects of remote work found that most employees show signs of burnout when having virtual meetings every day. 38% of remote employees reported feeling exhausted after daily virtual meetings, while 30% said they felt stressed. The study was conducted in 2020 when most organizations switched to remote work. To stay connected, some employers held video conferences every day, while others did it weekly. Staying connected with your remote workforce is essential, especially since they often feel isolated. But frequent virtual meetings could disrupt their workflow and productivity, demotivate them, and stress them out. They could negatively affect their mental health and job satisfaction, making many of them consider quitting their job. Weekly virtual meetings seem to be a better alternative. 85% of Employees Are Most Motivated When Internal Communications Are Effective According to Trade Press Services, effective internal communications motivate 85% of employees to become more engaged in the workplace. When managers share company news and other relevant information regularly, employees feel motivated to achieve the mission, vision, and goals. When you raise their awareness of your goals, they will be more engaged with your customers as well. So, in creating the most effective internal communications, including employee newsletters, press releases, event updates, and other company news, such as milestones and successful projects. Share information regularly to increase knowledge, consider using internal communication tools to empower teams to collaborate, and build a learning-focused community. Only 16% of Companies Use Technology to Monitor Employee Engagement According to a recent Gartner poll, only 16% of companies leverage technology to track employee progress and engagement. They use tools to monitor employee activity and see when they clock in and out, how many hours employees work, when and how many breaks they take, and more. When you lead a remote workforce, tracking employees’ engagement and performance should be one of your top priorities. It can help you enhance your employee engagement strategy and boost your overall business success. ProProfs Employee Training Software is one of the tools where you can utilize to boost knowledge and productivity. Apart from improving your training efforts, you can use it to identify workers’ strengths and weaknesses. That will help you train them better, thus motivating them to be more productive. To learn even more about improving the employee experience and increasing your competitive advantage while providing a fast return on investment, download our ebook now. Download Now Companies with a Thriving Corporate Culture Achieve Over 4x Higher Revenue Growth As you may know, a strong corporate culture can improve team efficiency which results in a better organization’s financial performance significantly. According to a survey by Hays, 47% of active job seekers want to leave their jobs because of bad company culture. An extensive research project on corporate culture and performance showed that good company culture could help you increase revenue by more than four times. The 11-year-long research project found that companies with performance-enhancing cultures grew their revenues by a whopping 682%. Those with a poor company culture managed to increase their revenues by just 166% over 11 years. So, improving your corporate culture will help you boost workforce engagement, job satisfaction, employee retention, and profitability. It will create a positive and safe work environment where your teammates can thrive and supercharge your business success. Recognition Is the Most Important Motivator for 37% of Employees A pat on the back at the right time can go a long way in motivating employees and keeping them engaged during their tenure in an organization. One study on top performance motivators found that 37% of employees feel most encouraged by personal recognition. A recent employee engagement and modern workplace report showed that 84% of highly engaged employees received recognition the last time they went the extra mile at work. Not surprisingly, only 25% of actively disengaged employees were recognized for a job well done. When you recognize your team members’ good work, whether publicly or privately, you pave the way for their better performance, and when you show you appreciate their efforts, you drive their engagement and productivity. “Our staff has praised the increased communication level Workmates delivers. We use it to communicate important project matters and give staff specific ‘kudos’ or even recognize their birthdays. More importantly, we use Workmates to clarify important project details that needed rapid dissemination among the entire team.” Christopher Baggott Chief Executive Officerator of Medlinks Cost Containment, Inc. and Medlinks Staffing, LLC. Learn More Employee Recognition Software & Rewards Platform encourages Peer-to-Peer recognition, boosts employee morale, allows employees to feel seen, and also helps create a culture focused on teamwork and excellence. Your team members will appreciate any kind of gesture of kindness that shows that their accomplishments, no matter how small, didn’t go unnoticed. For instance, paid time off, gift cards, and event tickets are small rewards that can greatly help with improving employee engagement. Monetary incentives are always good motivators, but employees are encouraged by other kinds of recognition as well. Even the smallest of accomplishments make a difference in reaching your long-term goals, so show your teammates that you value all their contributions. And, remember, a simple “Thank you” can also go a long way. Only 29% of Employees Are Satisfied with Available Career Advancement Opportunities An SHRM’s research on Employee Job Satisfaction and Engagement survey found that only 29% of employees are “very satisfied” with their available career advancement opportunities. 41% marked those opportunities as “very important” when it comes to job satisfaction, engagement, motivation, and employee retention. The survey also found that 44% of employees are “very satisfied” with opportunities to use their skills and abilities at work. In an ideal world, these numbers are at the top end of the scale, but you can increase them with the right opportunities for career growth. If you want to have engaged teams across departments, boost their expertise, and make your organization more profitable, provide them with the L&D possibilities that they seek. 33% of Employees Leave Their Jobs for New Challenges According to a Korn Ferry survey, 33% of employees jump ship because they feel bored in the workplace and want to find new challenges. They seek new opportunities for professional development, which motivates them to keep learning and become better at what they do. That’s why implementing new challenges and variations in day-to-day activities should be one of the top priorities for managers and HR professionals. Providing employees with opportunities to learn and grow continually is the key to driving employee engagement and retention. Professional development opportunities are also essential for company growth, as they boost employee experience and help develop skills and competencies. 58% of employees wish their workplace conducted employee engagement surveys more frequently In a survey that was conducted right after the pandemic, most employees appreciated their say in the workplace. They appreciated when the employers took their feedback as it made them feel as if they were a part of the community. In the same survey, more than half of the employees expressed their concerns regarding the minimal acquisition of employee feedback. 58 percent of employees said they wished their workplaces conducted more employee engagement surveys. Employees who were surveyed four times each year instead of once every other year engaged much more actively at the workplace. 61% of employees report complete burnout at jobs Fostering employee engagement is a solution when employees are burned out. Unfortunately, many companies perceive employee engagement as simply adding more tasks to an already overflowing workload. Instead of fostering genuine connection and collaboration, they pile on additional responsibilities during times designated for team engagement. Consequently, approximately 61% of employees find themselves grappling with burnout, feeling overwhelmed by the relentless demands placed upon them, affecting their mental health. This figure is expected to rise even further in 2022, reflecting a concerning trend where employees are stretched thin and struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst mounting pressures. Image from Career Employer 71% of executives verify that employee engagement is a huge contributor to organizational success Harvard Business Review conducted a detailed study on employee engagement and released all of its findings in a journal called The Impact of Employee Performance. From this journal, we got to know that 71% of executives believe it's a high level of employee engagement that sets their company up for immense success. Further breakdown tells us that the biggest employee engagement driver is the recognition of high performers. It is followed by having a clear understanding of their role and contribution to the strategy, communication, understanding of business goals, and corporate training and development of the individuals. You can use it to direct your employee engagement in the right direction, and once the situation is better, acquire employee testimonials. These will help you verify your implementation strategy. Thus, making room to proceed with the other two metrics that lead to their organizational success include: - High level of customer service (80 percent) - Effective communication (73 percent) So, that's what you should follow once employee engagement has worked well enough. Recognition is Preferred Among 37% of Employees Octanner.com reports that respondents to a study on what would be the most important thing a manager or a company could do that would help the employee become successful suggested recognition. The study proves that a significant percentage of employees would love to put their all to work for an organization when they are accorded the level of recognition they desire. A study by the Incentive Research Foundation found that 84% of employees experienced increased motivation upon receiving recognition for their work. Also, an Officevibe survey revealed that 51% of employees who received consistent recognition are prone to recommending their company as an excellent workplace. To learn more about the features and capabilities available in Workmates, download our ebook now. Download Now Wellness programs decrease employee absenteeism by 25% The research conducted in 2012, which analyzed 42 studies, revealed that participants in workplace health promotion programs had approximately 25% lower medical and absenteeism expenditures than nonparticipants. Programs like these often include fitness activities, nutrition guidance, stress management, and mental health support. By addressing various aspects of employee wellness, organizations foster a supportive and healthy work environment. Engaged employees are more likely to collaborate effectively, innovate, and deliver high-quality work, which increases productivity and enhances business performance. In addition, highly engaged employees are less likely to look elsewhere for work, which leads to higher employee retention rates. There’s an 81% decrease in employee absenteeism with an increase in employee engagement This particular statistic is really shocking. From wages to work culture, the major reason behind employee absenteeism is the lack of engagement. On a positive note, working on this can ensure you have a stable workforce available at all times. But how? Of course, employee engagement is a vast topic. It's more than keeping your employees happy and content. It's about motivating, assisting, encouraging, and providing direction. However, you can start with the two important areas; work/life balance and employee recognition. The majority of employees won't skip work if there's no compromise on personal life and career. Plus, encouraging them for their efforts serves as a great motivator. 1 in 3 employees quit because of boredom According to one survey, the majority of employees change their jobs because of boredom. While it may sound unbelievable, the lack of challenges can significantly exhaust an employee. Doing a task continuously uses the same skills again and again. Plus, it drains the motivation to work. It even makes them feel as if they aren't able to use their expertise to the full extent. As a result, the task seems like a waste of talent and skill. Hence, it is crucial to ensure that the employees have sufficient challenges and variation in work. Not only will this keep them engaged, but, it will also develop their skills and improve competency. Connected employees are 68% less likely to feel burned out at work A report from Gallup on Empowering Workplace Culture Through Recognition found that 68% of employees who feel connected to their organization’s culture are less likely to feel burned out at work. Culture is the heartbeat of an organization, shaping its very essence. When organizations articulate and reinforce the values that drive employees to excel daily, progress toward goals accelerates. A strong culture not only fosters engagement but also provides a roadmap to align that engagement with the organization's objectives and mission, serving as a guiding framework for success. Remote workers have 13.5% higher productivity than office-based employees While some companies are embracing remote or hybrid workforces, not all positions are conducive to full-time remote work. Offering employees the option to work from home part of the time can enhance talent retention, attract candidates, and distinguish companies in today's competitive labor landscape. Stanford University conducted a study revealing that remote workers consistently regularly meet and exceed objectives, identify new processes, and contribute to company culture just as much as anyone in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting. They tend to accomplish on average, 13.5% higher productivity points compared to their on-site counterparts. Older Workers Show More Engagement Another study showed that while older workers may show higher levels of engagement due to stability, and experience, younger workers also thrive when valued, and offered growth opportunities. Individual differences drive engagement across age groups, as shown in a study by SHRM where employees under 40 exhibited lower engagement compared to those in their late forties and above. No credit card needed Less than 5 min to set up Take Employee Engagement to the Next Level Improving employee engagement is the key step to business success. When you create a positive work environment where people can grow daily and receive recognition for their efforts, nothing will stand in your way of achieving your goals. Hopefully, these statistics have inspired you to focus more on engaging your workforce because that means improving your entire organization’s performance. Start implementing the strategies for engaging your employees today, and you’ll boost your company’s profitability before you know it. ... More Interesting Statistics; - 29% of employees express being "very satisfied" with current career and advancement opportunities - according to SHRM’s 2017 report - Employees who take a break every 90 minutes report a 30 percent higher level of focus - 90% of leaders think an engagement strategy has an impact on business success but barely 25% of them have a strategy - as stated by Muse - Gallup's employee engagement database has 70% fewer safety incidents compared with bottom-quartile units. -3 in 5 HR leaders believe that the HR function will rapidly become irrelevant if it doesn’t modernize its approach to understanding and planning for the future needs of the workforce - KPMG source - According to Unleash, 52% of frontline workers claim they would leave their jobs over tech tools - Gallup data states that 95% of people who are thriving at work report being treated with respect all day - 87% of workers believe their employer should do more to listen to the needs of their workforce - source Oracle - Zipia stated that 72% of workers believe work-life balance is a very important factor when choosing a job - 72% of employees agree that engaged employee thinks beyond their job title, in the LinkedIn poll ran by Select Software Reviews. Try Workmates Interactive Demo Click through it yourself withinteractive demo. Try It Now About Author: Angela White is an ed-tech enthusiast with a passion for writing for the consumer market in the areas of product research and marketing using quizzes and surveys. Having a knack for writing and an editorial mindset, she is an expert researcher at a brand that’s known for creating delightfully smart tools such as ProProfs Quiz Maker.
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