Hire human beings, not bodies.

Hire human beings, not bodies.

Not the most controversial idea, but it is not common in practice. When you "hire human beings, not bodies," you are able to identify candidates who possess the specific skills and experience that are required for the role, as well as the ability to fit in with the company culture.

So, what does it mean to care for your employees as human beings above all else?

• Celebrate professional as well as personal accomplishments

• Support lifelong learning — not just by being “willing” to pay for schooling, but also by regularly creating learning plans, giving employees time to develop, and encouraging unconventional educational opportunities.

• Give employees opportunities to do what they love. Don’t just think of an employee in terms of how they fit the job they were hired for, but ask yourself, what are their strengths and how they can best be utilized?

None of these are easy, traditional, or straightforward. However, they’re all worth it in order to create a healthy culture and a safe and happy work environment in which your employees can thrive.

You’ve got this!