Entries by Tori Snoddy

Shifting the Focus: From ROI to ROIP (Return on Investment in People)

By: Amy Cooper, Founder & CEO of RISE®

For decades, businesses have fixated on ROI—return on investment. It’s a metric designed to evaluate the profitability of a decision, project, or asset. But in an era where talent is the engine of innovation, growth, and customer satisfaction, it’s time to broaden our perspective. Enter ROIP, or Return on Investment in People.

ROIP is the philosophy and practice of measuring the impact of investing in employees’ growth, well-being, and satisfaction. It shifts the narrative from treating people as costs to recognizing them as the most valuable assets a company can nurture.

As businesses embrace automation and AI, the value of human creativity, empathy, and ingenuity will only grow. ROIP isn’t just a concept—it’s the future of work.

Amy Cooper


Why ROIP Matters

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology evolves overnight and customer expectations are sky-high, your workforce is your competitive edge. Machines and systems can automate tasks, but creativity, empathy, and problem-solving remain uniquely human strengths.

Here’s why focusing on ROIP is crucial:

1. Retention Saves Money: Replacing an employee can cost 50–200% of their annual salary due to recruitment, training, and lost productivity. Investing in people reduces turnover and keeps institutional knowledge in-house.

2. Engaged Employees Drive Success: Gallup research shows that highly engaged teams are 21% more profitable. Employees who feel valued and supported are more productive, collaborative, and innovative.

3. Stronger Culture Attracts Talent: In competitive industries, a company’s reputation as an employer can make or break its ability to recruit top talent. When people are invested in, they spread the word, strengthening your brand.

What ROIP Looks Like in Action

Investing in people goes beyond higher salaries. It’s about creating an environment where employees can thrive professionally and personally. Here’s how companies can achieve high ROIP:

1. Training and Development
Invest in continuous education, leadership programs, and upskilling opportunities. When employees grow, so does the company. RISE offers leadership training and opportunities for your leaders to develop their human skills.

2. Health and Wellness
Prioritize mental and physical health through robust healthcare plans, wellness programs, and flexible work arrangements. If you are looking for ways your remote employees can benefit from connections, RISE offers several opportunities through our committees and programming to participate virtually and lean into their flexible work arrangements.

3. Empowering Leadership
Leaders play a key role in ROIP. Equip managers with tools to coach, support, and inspire their teams. RISE’s mentorship program is a perfect place for your leaders to be trained as RISE Certified Mentors and learn how to support and coach their team.

4. Inclusive and Collaborative Culture
Create a workplace where every voice matters. Diversity and inclusion initiatives not only boost morale but also lead to better decision-making and innovation. RISE’s DEI Committee offers a safe space for connection. If your company is looking for direction on initiatives, RISE offers programs you can adopt such as a Reverse Mentorship Program.

5. Recognition and Rewards
Acknowledge achievements, both big and small. Appreciation motivates employees and reinforces positive behaviors. Nominate your rising stars and leaders for any of the RISE Awards – 35 Under 35, Mentor of the Year, LEAD, and Innovator of the Year – for a chance to publicly acknowledge how much you appreciate them.

Measuring ROIP

While it’s easier to calculate ROI on equipment or campaigns, ROIP requires a more nuanced approach.

Key metrics include:

• Employee Engagement Scores: Surveys can gauge satisfaction, alignment with company values, and overall morale.

• Retention Rates: High retention signals a positive return on investment in employee well-being and career growth.

• Productivity Metrics: Engaged employees are more productive, and their outputs can serve as a proxy for ROIP.

• Innovation Rates: Track new ideas, patents, or solutions emerging from your workforce as a result of their empowerment.

Qualitative feedback is just as valuable. Exit interviews, employee testimonials, and performance reviews can offer insights into whether your people feel valued and supported.

The Long-Term Impact of ROIP

Focusing on ROIP isn’t just about altruism—it’s smart business. Companies that invest in people create a sustainable, resilient workforce ready to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.

Consider the long-term impact:

• Reduced turnover creates stability.

• Empowered employees become brand ambassadors.

• Innovative teams drive business growth.

In an economy where customer loyalty is tied to exceptional service and experiences, your employees are your frontline. Investing in them pays dividends not only in dollars but in reputation, culture, and impact.

The Future is People-First

The world is changing, and so must our metrics for success. As businesses embrace automation and AI, the value of human creativity, empathy, and ingenuity will only grow. ROIP isn’t just a concept—it’s the future of work.

By prioritizing people, businesses can thrive financially while becoming places where employees feel valued, engaged, and proud to work. Partner with RISE to unlock the full potential of your workforce and achieve the ultimate return on investment in people.

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