By Marisa Vrooman
As nonprofit and small business leaders, we are often hustling to achieve multiple goals, striving for sustainable growth, strategically marketing our brands, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, all the while, leaning on the people around us who make it all possible. But what if we fail to see what our team needs and wants from us most?
The most challenging moments I’ve had as a business leader have been when I’ve lost key members of my team. Nothing has felt more disruptive, more disorienting, or has knocked me further from my goals – than losing key staff members. My failure to recognize that supporting my team not only means helping them get their job done, but also supporting them as whole individuals, who deserve to feel seen and appreciated for their incredible contributions, was a difficult lesson to learn.
According to a 2022 Pew Research study, more than 57% of participants leave their jobs because they feel undervalued, disrespected, or unappreciated. The other two reasons that preceded were lack of pay and lack of opportunities for advancement.
As small business and nonprofit leaders, sometimes there is not much we can do about pay scale or opportunities for advancement – but there is an easy fix to the third most frequent reason for leaving a job. Taking care of our teams – as whole individuals who deserve to feel appreciated and valued – is low-hanging fruit that almost anyone can do – and do very well.
The imperative to prevent staff turnover is one of the most important factors that will contribute to our organizational stability, growth, sustainability, and competitive advantage.
That is why Oakencroft has developed a Staff Appreciation Retreat, modeled on other successful programs that uses a variety of modalities to help teams relax, de-stress, and feel cared-for. We’ll help you design a day that suits your organization’s style, needs, and budget. We have partnerships with many providers who offer services such as sound baths, massage, creative projects, physical movement such as Yoga and Tai Chi, facilitated self-discovery exercises, and more.
To learn more, come to our Open House at the Retreat Center on Friday, March 6th between 2 – 5 pm. [RSVP here]. You’ll be welcomed with a glass of wine, and one of our expert planners will lead you through what an Oakencroft Retreat may look like for your team. Whether you’re a local leader or from another metropolitan area like Richmond or DC, we can provide all that you’ll need to create a meaningful experience for your team.
No obligation, just a chance to come out and see all that Oakencroft offers and enjoy all the beauty that surrounds us!
I offer a quote from a recent retreat guest, “…this retreat was one of the best things any boss or leader of mine has ever done. Hugely restorative!”
Let’s take better care of each other. Through these experiences we will form stronger teams and build more connected, resilient communities. And who doesn’t want that?