In a society known for frequent job turn-over, something small business owners ask themselves is “How Do We Get Good People To Stay?”
Each month, 3.5 million Americans quit their job, in search to find something better. Training new employees can have a high cost: loss in productivity and increase in overhead expenses. By creating a desirable workplace, you can focus on what truly matters – the success of your employees.
So, how do you attract the right staff and keep your current staff happy? Read through our 7 Tips to Obtaining and Retaining Top Talent and let us know what you think.
1. Are you the boss or the leader?
You can grab any professional improvement book off the shelf and learn there’s a difference between being a boss and being a leader. A boss may demand respect where a leader will earn the respect of his/her employees. How available do you make yourself to your employees? Does your staff feel confident in the direction of the business and that they are a part of the journey, or do they feel overworked and underappreciated?
2. Have a Plan.
Have a clearly defined job description for each employee. Review what the expectations are for the job. Take the time to explain things like company culture to your new employees and set the stage for growth opportunities.
3. Employee Recognition.
It’s fair to say that when employees feel valued, they take pride in the work they produce. The success of your business weighs heavily on the success of your employees. Consider celebrating employees on their employment anniversary. Positive feedback during and/or after a project completed also allows the employee to see their efforts were appreciated.
4. Job flexibility.
Many job seekers are reporting that work-from-home opportunities are more desirable than a position in an office. Employees value the opportunity to adjust work hours which make them available for appointments, activities with their children and school programs. Happy employees are less likely to leave your company and more likely to excel at their jobs.
5. Offer opportunities to grow and develop skill sets.
Does your business have a continuing education program or plan in place to encourage professional growth? It is just as important to keep current skills sharp as it is to add new ones. Continually improving the abilities of your staff will take your product or service to the next level.
6. Address and Resolve Pain Points.
As a business owner, you likely know where your strengths and weaknesses are. Are you in-tune with what the strengths and weaknesses are of your staff? Does everyone get along? Does your workforce feel overworked and underappreciated? Is the work environment conducive to productivity? Stay in close communication with your team to address situations as they arise and encourage two-way communication.
7. Encourage collaboration.
Teamwork makes the dream work. Giving each member of your team, department or division an opportunity to be a part of a solution makes them feel valued and important. It shows creative thinking, level playing fields and illustrates that all opinions matter. Your best product idea could come from your receptionist, or from your sales team.