In addition to each week's email edition of Dover Download, the City of Dover offers a weekly podcast. The podcast is hosted by Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker, who chats each week about the city's programs, services, public bodies and projects. Each episode also takes a brief detour to the past with a look back at the week in Dover's history.

The podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and at https://anchor.fm/cityofdovernh.

The business landscape is much different than it was before the pandemic. The number one issue facing all of our small businesses is the attraction and retention of workers. It is the one constant that I hear when I speak to business owners, and it has led to some interesting conversations and very creative solutions. This week I thought I would focus some attention on how our small businesses are creating a workplace culture that appeals to the current workforce and their employees’ overall well-being.

Universal Rest Days: Many restaurants and retail shops have modified their hours and pivoted their business models to provide universal rest days to their entire staff. This helps owners with scheduling and also enables employees to enjoy a work-life balance.

Employee Appreciation Days: Some clever business owners are showing love to their employees by hosting employee appreciation days. I have heard everything from tubing down the Saco with 24 employees, to closing for the day to bring the entire staff to Canobie Lake Park or the New England Aquarium. Other business owners have provided pizza, hot chocolate, ice cream, and even hosted pool parties to show their staff how much they are appreciated. This type of gratitude for workers not only shows that employers provide a great workplace culture but also builds a team atmosphere and enhances employee morale.

Incentives: Smaller businesses usually have it tough when it comes to providing benefits to employees. I recently had a conversation with two business owners who incentivize their employees with quarterly or annual bonuses. This type of reward helps the employee feel like they want to contribute to the bottom line because they will benefit, and it is a win-win for both the employer and employee. It also helps keep employees motivated to be the best they can be and help the company grow.

Referrals: Most business owners told me they get their greatest employees from referrals through people they know or current employees’ friends. I was really surprised to learn that they don’t get many applicants from job posting websites or staffing companies. This speaks volumes about workplace culture and a feeling of inclusivity in regard to employee retention. It makes sense that if you like the people you work with, you’re bound to have a better time at work and want to be there.

Human Connection: The last piece of what makes our small businesses succeed when retaining and attracting workers is the human connection. I know when customers enter a business in Dover, many staff members know them by name. The staff members aren’t just employees, and the customers aren’t just purchasing a product or service, but are partaking in being part of our community. This sharing of ideas and values is an essential component of enjoying a fulfilling life, and that is what makes the Dover business community so strong.

Quote from Chris Guerrette of Lickee's & Chewy's Candies & Creamery, “It’s all about the employees for us…they make the store.”  

NHCSSD will be hosting a benefit, at Roger's Pizza on Saturday, Sept. 24 

Do you have a question, story, or upcoming event related to businesses in Dover? Please get in touch with me at [email protected] to see it featured here!

The Dover Business and Industrial Development Authority met on Tuesday, Aug. 9, where it:

Find the complete agenda, draft minutes and an audio recording of the meeting here:

www.dover.nh.gov/government/city-operations/executive/economic-development/

Monday - Thursday