Workplace of Choice

With the economy in a slow recovery, unemployment rates slowly moving down, and hiring trends on the rise, thoughts of employee retention should move to the top of the agenda for employers. The past several years have put a strain on employees who remain in downsized organizations and many companies have been so focused on surviving, that their attention has not been focused on their people. Unhappiness may be bringing employees to the point of being ready to make a change and begin that next job search. You’re not helpless to stop them. How you treat your employees can have an impact on their retention with the organization.

“Few leaders succeed without great talent supporting them. So retaining star employees is not only good for the company, but also for the leader.” (HBR, Tip of the Day, March 2011). Managers should trust their team and give their employees the opportunity to use their unique skills and strengths each day. By empowering employees, they will become more engaged and engaged employees buy-in to the mission of the organization and are more likely to stay. This will reflect positively on both the employee and the manager. Check in daily with employees to see how they are doing. Organizations that focus on building employee morale and communication see tremendous benefits. Open communication keeps everyone informed, builds trust, and shows respect for employees and their individual needs. Every manager should make connecting with employees a daily habit. Other methods to increase morale are giving employees customized assignments, spot recognition awards and small job perks. Research actually shows that employees don’t always care about more money. In fact, it is often the little things that have the biggest impact. A manager should make sure their employees are challenged and congratulate them on recent achievements. A little recognition and a sincere thank you can go a long way.

The goal should be to prevent any “undesirable departures” of the best or even the most average solid employee. Trying to maximize employee satisfaction and therefore increasing the odds of keeping the best and brightest talent should be leadership’s top priority.  Creating an environment of trust, support, communication and happy employees doesn’t happen overnight. Begin with small steps and work towards achieving your ultimate goal – retaining your valuable employees!