How to speak your employees’ love languages 

In dating, "love languages" are used to gauge compatibility and learn how the other party prefers to receive love.  The relationship you have with your employees is, well, a relationship too. If you're reading this, it's safe to assume you're ready to master love languages in the workplace.

Glassdoor research shows that the connection between employers and employees can be rocky. Employers think they are fulfilling employees' needs, but employees don't quite feel the love.  The purpose of employee listening and understanding your employees' voices is to improve their work experience and give them reasons to stick around. Consider these four tactics for learning your employees' workplace love languages.

1. Listen to employees and follow through on feedback 

Eighty-one percent (81%) of leading employers surveyed said they always or sometimes take corrective action on employee feedback, but 35% of employees surveyed are less than satisfied with how their employers respond. More specifically: 

How to address it: When introducing new policies or revising current ones, make sure your actions aren't just paying lip service. Use your Glassdoor Company Bowl to give your employees "words of affirmation" to show that you value their input and take it seriously: Glassdoor data shows that positive feelings toward the company are 25% higher when leaders actively engage in their Company Bowls.

2. Commitment to truth and transparency  

In online dating, a profile photo is likely the first chance to impress. How your company looks to employees and the rest of the world is similar. Our report found that 69% of employees want to work for a brand they are proud to support. Transparent communication is a big driver of employee satisfaction at work.

Other things employees value and that increase their likelihood to recommend their workplace include:

While Glassdoor research shows that employee confidence is still down from 2022, 47.8% of employees reported a positive 6-month business outlook in April 2024 - the highest level since June 2023.  Increased layoffs over the last few years certainly impacted employee confidence, but they also demonstrated that leaders could earn employee approval by handling headcount reductions in a transparent, considerate way.

How to address it: Amplify employee voices, and ensure that employees feel comfortable sharing their voices in the workplace. Encourage participation in forums like Glassdoor reviews and Company Bowls, and respond - both in words and actions - to what they say. 

3. Acts of vulnerability and inclusivity 

While receiving gifts may be a traditional love language, it takes more than perks to win an employee over. It's important that employees need to feel supported during stressful times. Leaders who understand how to lead with empathy and understanding - also known as emotional intelligence (EQ) - can increase psychological safety within their teams and the company, which can help reduce turnover and improve an employer's brand. 

A whopping 90% of employers with leading or above-average employer brands say their employee experience is a big part of their employer brand. Among employers that are just getting started with employer branding, only 54% say the same. Take the lead of strong employers by:

How to address it: When it comes to this love language, think "Acts of Service." Train managers to support employees on an emotional and psychological level.  Look for ways to create safe spaces for employees that positively recognize and celebrate cultural differences and individuality.

4. Fair pay and better benefits 

Fair pay and better benefits are less of a "love language" and more of a basic necessity and right. Economic trends show that wages are holding steady, but non-cash benefits and equity compensation are on the decline. That means that employers should be helping employees understand and maximize the benefits they offer.

When it comes to compensation, think of pay and benefits as part and parcel of a healthy total compensation package. Keep in mind, 75% of employees want their employer to support employee wellness with great benefits, but only 65% are satisfied. 

How to address it: Prioritize benefits that allow employees to manage their health better, and educate them about what is available to them. Consider offering flexible and comprehensive health benefits, hybrid schedules, and flexible work hours to make the employee experience positive and sustainable. 
When you don't listen to employees, confidence and retention plummet. Building a strong employer brand starts with listening to employee voices, and responding in their love language. It can truly be a labor of love. Want to learn more ways to boost employee satisfaction? Check out the three trends shaping companies right now.