Remember Your Key Employee’s Spouse!

Think about it, your key employee goes home late again after putting in extra hours in the office, maybe for an emergency, to an aggravated wife and an overcooked dinner. “How long are you going to work for that ungrateful cheapskate?” she wants to know.

We have all been there. We all understand the situation but understanding and doing something about it is the real issue at hand. This problem can be solved and, in fact, turned into a victory for all.

It is important to remember, the spouse always has significant impact and effect on the attitude of your employee. If the spouse is supportive it is hugely helpful, especially in times of stress or great demand, especially when it comes to putting in overtime at the office. If the spouse is negative and not supportive, the employee will be short-lived and a great loss to all. However, that can usually be prevented.

The solution is very simple. You need a program to reach out and demonstrate respect to the spouse as well as respect to your key employee’s relationship with their spouse, as follows:

• A spouse should be invited in for a tour of the offices, including an explanation of what you do and how you do it, lunch with the boss or a manager and perhaps a gift of some sort welcoming the spouse aboard.

• Remember the spouse’s birthday, not just your employee’s. Give the employee a little time off to take their spouse out for a birthday dinner. Send a card for their anniversary. You get the idea. It can be anything, just do not forget the spouse.

• If you keep your employee late a number of times, give him a dinner gift certificate to take his wife out, courtesy of the company. Have a bottle of wine sent to the table. Be gracious and show your appreciation. It really works.

Another approach is to implement the usual company barbecues, seasonal parties, picnics, occasional outings, etc. for all the employees, but always with the spouses in mind. Custom printed t-shirts or any gift that touts the company name for both the employees and their spouses is a great idea to tie the entire event together.

Be creative, think deeply and create inspirational events that include the spouse and helps create real support for your employee at home. It’s seldom done but it is a very powerful action. Try it out.