People Matter Most in Non For Profit Jobs
Employment in a non for profit job can be one of the most challenging and rewarding work experiences around. Balancing the internal pressures of ever-present budget and resource concerns with serving the needs of a specific target audience is a constant feature of the non for profit atmosphere. Special attributes are key for the individuals who choose to work in this environment, and the sooner those traits are recognized by the human resource non for profit management team, the more likely the organization will retain its valued employees.
It is crucial that the professionals in human resources at non for profit jobs do what is necessary to take the organization’s temperature when it’s time to assess employee morale. The human resources non for profit professional can address retention issues before they develop by asking employees what motivates them and what type of recognition suits them. Request a “top three” listing, accompanied by the employee’s explanation. While compensation will inevitably surface, take note that employees will also gravitate toward non-monetary types of recognition, such as the reward of an afternoon or day off from work, a team ice cream social or the opportunity to participate in a group health benefits plan or contribute dollars to a tax-deferred savings plan sponsored by the non for profit.
Other options to keep in mind include:
- Tuition reimbursements for employees who participate in professional development opportunities
- Subsidized child or dependent care for employees with children enrolled in daycare or those taking care of elderly relatives
- Employee services such as on premises dry cleaning, errand services or banking
- Flexible work scheduling to accommodate telecommuting, job shares and virtual work arrangements
- Designated days for relaxed dress codes as a team incentive
- Access to career planning tools and consultant resources, allowing employees the chance to plot out their educational and career goals within the non for profit arena
By giving employees a voice in how they like to be recognized, a human resources non for profit professional can help the non for profit organization create a positive atmosphere of inclusion, and show its high regard for the morale and satisfaction of its staff.
Employment in a non for profit job can be one of the most challenging and rewarding work experiences around. Balancing the internal pressures of ever-present budget and resource concerns with serving the needs of a specific target audience is a constant feature of the non for profit atmosphere. Special attributes are key for the individuals who choose to work in this environment, and the sooner those traits are recognized by the human resource non for profit management team, the more likely the organization will retain its valued employees.
It is crucial that the professionals in human resources at non for profit jobs do what is necessary to take the organization’s temperature when it’s time to assess employee morale. The human resources non for profit professional can address retention issues before they develop by asking employees what motivates them and what type of recognition suits them. Request a “top three” listing, accompanied by the employee’s explanation. While compensation will inevitably surface, take note that employees will also gravitate toward non-monetary types of recognition, such as the reward of an afternoon or day off from work, a team ice cream social or the opportunity to participate in a group health benefits plan or contribute dollars to a tax-deferred savings plan sponsored by the non for profit.
Other options to keep in mind include:
- Tuition reimbursements for employees who participate in professional development opportunities
- Subsidized child or dependent care for employees with children enrolled in daycare or those taking care of elderly relatives
- Employee services such as on premises dry cleaning, errand services or banking
- Flexible work scheduling to accommodate telecommuting, job shares and virtual work arrangements
- Designated days for relaxed dress codes as a team incentive
- Access to career planning tools and consultant resources, allowing employees the chance to plot out their educational and career goals within the non for profit arena
By giving employees a voice in how they like to be recognized, a human resources non for profit professional can help the non for profit organization create a positive atmosphere of inclusion, and show its high regard for the morale and satisfaction of its staff.
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