By: Sophie Howard, HR Consultant, Vivo Growth Partners
How great would it be if there was one magic ingredient that kept your team engaged and invested in your organization or enterprise forever?
While Ina Garten makes the case that “good olive oil” is the prime ingredient for most recipes, the recipe for a fulfilling workplace is a lot more complicated. While there’s no secret sauce for employee engagement and retention, there are several ways to keep your team satisfied and invested in your organization’s success.
Get Everyone “On Board” with Onboarding
First, be sure to hire individuals who align with company values, as this supports their long-term commitment to your goals. An onboarding process that helps new team members understand their roles, the company, and its culture will set them up for success. Set clear expectations from day one, and have regular check-ins to help team members feel supported and empowered. Finally, conduct regular stay interviews with existing team members to gain additional insight into why people stay.
Create Momentum with Metrics, Mentorship, and Skills Development
Carve out a career path for each hire by creating well-defined goals and metrics. This will help team members visualize their potential within the company with clear milestones. Another tactic is to create a mentorship program or encourage team members to collaborate with other colleagues to broaden their knowledge. And always encourage your team to participate in industry-based organizations where they can meet others and gain professional growth. Finally, ensure that you have a strong learning and skills development program. Providing opportunities for people to deepen their skills is a win-win for everyone.
Prioritize Growth
If you have a team member who adds incredible value, point them toward a pathway for growth, then make it happen. If team members don’t see opportunities for advancement, it can lead to turnover or dissatisfaction with their roles. Create an environment where team members are empowered to make decisions, feel included, and are recognized for their accomplishments. Loyalty will usually follow.
Stay Connected and Invested
Whether team members work in the office or remotely, everyone craves a sense of belonging! Schedule regular social events with your team (weekly team coffees, monthly lunches, birthday celebrations, and opportunities for team building). These activities prioritize well-being, inclusivity, and create spaces for open feedback.
Press the Off Button
The results are in: benefits such as paid time off, family leave, and flexible/remote work options still rank among the top “requests” among workers of all ages in 2025. Creating a culture that promotes realistic work expectations is also essential. Encourage time away from work by discouraging late-night emails or working extensive hours. These efforts will elevate employee wellness and job satisfaction for certain.
Bridge Generational Gaps
Whether your team skews heavier on Millennials, Gen X, or Z, one thing is universal: everyone wants to feel comfortable sharing their ideas and opinions. Foster an open environment and your team will be more open to collaboration that focuses on communication and teamwork. Having inclusive practices that don’t fall back on generational stereotypes will also foster a stronger working environment for all.
On Trend in ’25
What’s trending in workplaces of all sizes? Here’s the scoop. Hybrid and remote work models continue to evolve as companies strive to balance remote work with in-person collaboration. AI and other automation tools are frequent go-tos, as they can improve efficiency if used properly, freeing up team members to focus on more complex or creative work. As always, employers should continue to develop team members’ skills to ensure they stay competitive as new technologies and automation tools evolve.
It’s our hope that the strategies provided help you create alchemy and loyalty in your workplace. Get cookin’ and let us know how the process is going!
