People are the lifeblood of any business, and to be successful, ultimately you need to attract and keep them! Given the financial and cultural cost of losing great people, and the impact it has on productivity (not to mention the highly competitive nature of the jobs market), it’s unsurprising that concern with finding and retaining good employees keeps me (and many of my fellow entrepreneurs) up at night.
All the above means that creating a workplace where employees feel valued, motivated, and committed is one of my top priorities as a business owner. Here is what I have learned matters the most to the people that matter the most to me.
True autonomy
Giving employees true autonomy means trusting them to make decisions, manage their time, and approach their tasks in the ways that make the most sense to them. This sense of ownership fosters a culture of accountability and innovation.
When employees are trusted and given the freedom to operate independently, they are more likely to feel invested in their work and motivated to excel. In my experience, autonomy also encourages creativity, as employees feel more comfortable proposing new ideas and taking risks without the fear of constant oversight. This can lead to innovative solutions and improvements that might not emerge otherwise.
Implementing true autonomy across the business definitely requires a shift in leadership style. I had to move from a directive approach to a supportive one, providing guidance and resources while allowing employees the freedom to find their path. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help ensure alignment with company goals without stifling creativity or independence.
Connection and communication
As a remote-first business, I am very aware of the potential for isolation and disconnection among team members. To combat this, we have regular in-person gatherings to reward and celebrate our people. These meetings are much more than just a chance to catch up on work: they are opportunities to build relationships, foster a sense of community, and celebrate achievements across the business.
In-person interactions help to strengthen bonds that can be harder to form through virtual communication alone. They allow for more nuanced conversations, the building of trust, and the kind of spontaneous brainstorming that often leads to breakthrough ideas too. Celebrating milestones and successes together also reinforces a positive culture and a sense of shared purpose.
Support for mental and physical health
As a startup, we can’t always compete on compensation, but what we can offer is more flexibility, a better work-life balance, and benefits that actually make a difference to people’s daily lives. It’s why, instead of gimmicky perks, I want to provide benefits that directly support the team’s mental and physical health, addressing the fundamental needs of employees.
Providing benefits such as mental health resources and financial planning tools, as well as encouraging fully flexible hours — to accommodate gym classes or running clubs, for example — shows a greater commitment to employee well-being than ping pong tables and beers on tap. And these benefits send a powerful message: we care about our people as individuals, not just as workers. Employees who feel supported in all aspects of their lives are more likely to stay with us long-term and contribute positively to our culture and success.
The future of employee relationships
The future of employee attraction and retention is all about building a workplace where employees feel empowered, connected, and valued. By focusing on autonomy, connection, and holistic well-being, I really believe we can attract and retain the best people, driving sustained success and innovation for our businesses.
By Rebecca Kelly, CEO and Founder of VenueScanner
