How to keep your team happy: simple ways to boost employee retention 

Employee retention isn’t just an HR buzzword. It’s an imperative strategy that all businesses need to adopt to keep the best people on board. 

Right now, holding onto your team is tougher than ever. In 2023, 45 million U.S. workers quit their jobs. Losing a team member is expensive, with each departing employee costing the business around 33% of their annual salary. That amount doesn’t even factor in lost knowledge, disrupted teams, and the time spent hiring and training replacements.

So how can businesses create positive company cultures where people want to stay? How can we help employees feel valued, supported, and genuinely part of something, so they’re more likely to stick around and give their best?

Keep reading for practical tips on how to keep your employees happy.

Make onboarding memorable

First impressions matter, and a thoughtful onboarding experience sets the tone for a positive employee journey. Employees who feel welcomed and supported in their first 90 days are 10 times more likely to stay long-term. Welcome new hires and make them feel like part of the team from day one with new starter kits complete with branded Notebooks, Stickers, and custom Drinkware.

The first few months are critical, with up to 20% of new hires resigning within the first 45 days. To combat this, create a structured plan for their early weeks, introducing them to key team members and clearly outlining how their role fits into the bigger picture. Regular check-ins during this period show support, help address concerns early, and lay the foundation for a workplace where people want to stay.

Celebrate achievements

Whether it’s a promotion, project milestone, or personal win, recognition makes a big difference. Employees who receive regular recognition are 18 times more likely to produce great work, and over 80% say they work harder when they feel appreciated. 

Show your team you value their contributions with thoughtful gestures. Handwritten messages on Notecards or a custom thank-you card can make their day, while a public shoutout in a meeting can boost team morale. If you want to go the extra mile, a token gift, like a small gift card or a branded keepsake, adds a personal touch that employees won’t forget.

Encourage work-life balance

Burnout is real, and no one performs at their best when they’re running on empty. Encourage your team to set boundaries, take time off, and truly disconnect when they need to recharge. While flexible hours and remote work options can make a big difference, it’s often the smaller, day-to-day actions that help your team feel supported and at their best.

Offer mental health days to give employees space to reset, or try screen-free afternoons to help them step away from their devices. A no-emails-after-6 pm policy, a daily quiet hour, or simply encouraging lunch breaks away from desks can make a big difference in showing your team that their well-being is just as important as their work.

Offer development opportunities

People stay where they grow, and professional development is a powerful retention strategy. 94% of employees said they would stay longer at a company if it invested in their learning and development. 

Offer your team access to training, mentorship, or resources that help them sharpen their skills and advance their careers. Organise in-house workshops, provide online learning options, or connect them with industry mentors. You can make growth personal by having one-to-one goal-setting sessions over coffee or using a Custom Planner to map out and track their ambitions.

Prioritise clear communication

Transparency builds trust, the cornerstone of any successful and dynamic team. Regular updates, whether through team meetings or a thoughtfully crafted newsletter, keep employees informed and connected to the bigger picture. Encourage open conversations where your team feels comfortable sharing feedback or asking questions. 

Dedicated spaces like one-to-one check-ins or anonymous feedback channels show that their voices matter. Practical tools like a shared goal tracker or project dashboard can also keep everyone aligned. When employees see how their work contributes to the company’s mission, they feel valued and engaged. 

Nurture team connections

Strong teams are happy teams, and building meaningful connections among colleagues is essential for creating a positive and engaged workplace. Research shows that teams with high engagement levels experience a 41% reduction in absenteeism and 59% less turnover.

Organise regular social activities to help employees connect beyond work. Lunchtime quizzes, end-of-week catch-ups, or team brainstorming sessions can strengthen bonds. For remote teams, virtual escape rooms or shared playlists can keep connections alive. Small gestures like celebrating birthdays or team milestones also build camaraderie and foster a culture where people want to work.

Boost employee retention with MOO

Employee retention starts with thoughtful actions. With MOO Business Services, you can create Branded Merchandise that makes employees feel happy and valued. To get started, fill out this simple form, and one of our team will be in touch shortly.