Create a great employee experience. Avoid Taxes! Spend.
A while back I found myself in a debate with a friend about poverty, the economy, and the tax increases which almost everyone is going to feel in one way or another. Whether it be at the pump, in the supermarket, for luxury items or an increased income tax we are all about to feel it in our pocket.
My friend said he is willing to pay more in taxes. If he had to pay an extra $100 in taxes each month to keep our government running, people employed, and social programs running he was willing to do that. I am not. Until the government can prove once and for all that they have a plan – that everyone agrees on – count me out.
My response to him was wouldn’t that $100 be better off in hands other than the government. I encouraged him to take that $100 and donate more to charity; to hire someone to do basic data entry or some house repair he was going to do himself. Perhaps even give someone who was about to lose their home that $100 each month? (well maybe make the payment directly to their mortgage company since some people can’t be trusted.)
Businesses are no different. Cutting back on things like staff development while improving the bottom line; to preserve a stock price. Not allowing your team to buy basic supplies and expecting them to have a positive employee experience that turns into a great customer experience. The cost of cutting expenses can be detrimental; and you’re gonna get socked anyway.
Case in point, I recently offered an amazing professional development deal to clients/prospects in CT; a 2-hour RECESS to get their people engaged, recharged and identifying/creating new products and services; at a price that had some of my colleagues asking me what I was smoking. I have had a few takers so far. The response from others was “we just don’t have the money.” Sad thing is they will have the money to pay more taxes at the risk of a workforce that continues to become disengaged. They will have the money to pay more taxes as the employee experience dwindles.
The money IS about leave all of our bank accounts. This is not about Democrat or Republican ideas. This is about common sense. You can hire someone, do something good for your staff, or create a job. You can do something that is feel-good; versus sitting there and getting frustrated. You can lower your net income, avoid taxes and put some smiles on people’s faces. It’s your decision.
P.S. Way to go Scott for donating more to my favorite charity, The World’s Only Virtual Diner Fighting Hunger, and hiring some help.
