Something Is Missing From Your Business Model… Here It Is.

Let’s admit what we all know is true: Work takes up most of our lives!!!

In many instances, it defines who we are. It is the place we spend most of our time. Universally. In some instances, then, it would be appropriate as an employer to provide some of the life requirements so many search for, thirst for and relish when they receive them.

I have talked about your business culture, leadership, how you treat your employees, what their work environment is like and what their relationship is with the company. This is not just talk; this is about your life and the lives of your employees. We can look at many well established, successful businesses that have run for a long while, have long-term, loyal employees and clients, and are profitable… places where the employees care about what they do and where they want to be—a second family of sorts. Perhaps there are aspects that can be noticed and copied, or developed, adding to the business culture you are providing.

One aspect that is very nurturing, costs very little and has enormous long-term value, is creating a sense of foundation, continuity and tradition. Where you came from as a company and where you are going. Roots, legacy, symbolism of this second family that your employees embrace as their place and their identity. If you raise the context of your work environment beyond just being a profit center for you, the owner, or just a job for your employees, you will raise the commitment of your workforce, deepen their involvement and satisfaction, and improve every aspect of your business.

There are many, many ways to accomplish this. Here are a few ideas to help you get the picture and create what works for you:

1) Create legacy. Display old pictures of early days of your business, the older the better. Create a sense of past, foundation and legacy. Frame them, hang and display them where everyone can see them. If this is a multi-generational business, pictures, price lists and graphics—anything of substance from the early days— make for great legacy development. Hang them prominently and use them where you can.

2) Create awards using old-time concepts. (Use names of the founders, etc. For example, “The John Baker Award for Community Service.”)

3) Create community service projects with management and employees working side-by-side to benefit the community. Paying forward creates legacy.

4) Create new legacy with annual tee shirts for the company picnic, etc. In ten years, those with older tee shirts will have valuable memories of the old days.

5) Provide small college scholarships for your employees’ children. It is meaningful and supports the notion of family.

6) Support and get involved in extracurricular activities such as sports. Create winning teams that can provide stories for years to come.

7) Sponsor outings to a baseball game, an amusement park, etc. to build positive company history.

8 ) Save stuff. Today’s throwaways become tomorrow’s treasures. Collect, display and grow the company culture and the family spirit.

If you create a family spirit, with legacy, roots and history, you will create a place where people want to be, a place where they feel safe, protected, comfortable, loyal and a culture that they want to be a part of. There are an infinite number of ways to accomplish this. Decide what works for you and your business, and do it; it will result in significant long-term value that can be measured by the sense of well-being your employees hold. They will return the effort with loyalty and care for your business. This works.