Retaining Good People
The Retention Process
Every successful company understands the importance of having a strategy to build a company with policies and a work environment that encourages an employee to remain at their company. These companies realize the true value of an employee that meets or exceeds their job expectations. When you analyze the cost of losing an experienced employee, it is substantial. To find, hire, train and wait for a 'new hire' to become profitable, both you and your customers pay a high price, so it is better to retain the staff you have. The optimum approach to retaining employees consists of a positive work environment with advancement potential and a fun place to work.
Positive Work Environment
Employees were surveyed about what is important to them in order to make a work space positive. The results found the following areas at the top of the list.
- Clean and carefully planned work areas that are freshly painted with coordinated colors and pictures that inspire a positive attitude.
- Good, odor free ventilation
- Temperature set to a comfortable heat or cooling level
- Quality lighting making it easy to read and conduct business
- Appropriate music to enhance creativity and communication with reduction of stress as a goal
- State of the art or current equipment and tools that increase productivity
- Individual work areas containing personal items (photos, souvenirs or plaques)
Take time and make an investment in your staff by providing a positive work environment. More information is available in the Incentive Plans area under HEALTH OPTIONS.
Growth Potential Must Be Available and Communicated
Most ambitious people have aspirations and goals to be in a leadership role, and if the company they are currently working for does not have a promotion program, they are forced to look elsewhere. Educate each employee on job requirements and expectations, then review their progress periodically (many companies believe this should be every month).
Periodic Progress Reviews
Make this evaluation in writing, and present it to the employee in the privacy of an office. Give recognition and appreciation for reaching expectations, and get a plan of action to improve if there were goals that were not attained. When there are standards and expectations, there is a system for advancement. It is important that the employee understands the standards and timetable for a promotion. If the employee understands what is expected, or certain areas that need improvement, or if additional education is required before advancement is possible, then it becomes a clear direction and steps can be taken to reach the goals. Many companies offer tuition assistance to the employee that wants to receive advanced training.
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