People are at the core of any successful organization. Although innovative technology and highly designed systems can improve workflow, it is the people that truly keep a business alive. As most business owners, entrepreneurs, or executives know, there is virtually nothing more valuable than a motivated, talented employee who can be trusted to produce quality work, take initiative, and encourage others.
Exceptional employees usually excel for a reason. Strong management and effective communication are essential to avoid a complacent, apathetic workplace. It’s important to remember that enthusiastic employees typically respond to an enthusiastic supervisor, boss, or business owner. By engaging employees through team building activities,corporate volunteering programs and effective communication, you have a better chance retaining employees for the long haul.
Motivated employees have the ability to help grow your organization and ensure long-term success, making it essential to have a good employee retention plan.
Focus on a Positive Work Environment
When you think of the type of work environment an employee would desire, what does it look like? More than the physical aspects like windows, natural light, or office furniture, imagine the mood of the people in the office. Keep in mind that an atmosphere with happy employees will set a positive tone for the entire company. You want your company to be a place people want to come to work, and facilitating a positive work environment is one way to retain exceptional employees.
Start at the Top
At the heart of any effective employee retention program is an engaged leadership team who is committed to success. Make sure that everyone from middle management up to the CEO understands why it’s important to retain the best employees. This goes beyond just avoiding the financial cost of finding new talent. If you can’t keep your top employees engaged for the long haul, there is a good chance that one of your competitors will. Positioning an employee retention plan as something which is critical to maintaining a competitive edge can help you gain top-level support.
Nurture Employee Relationships
Successful employee engagement comes from communication and team building activities. By setting clear expectations for employees, you can avoid confusion about performance, earning potential, and day-to-day tasks. It is also a good idea to communicate expectations regularly so that employees feel confident about their position. Saying “thank you” or showing appreciation in other simple ways is also an easy tool to keep employee relationships strong. Take advantage of team building opportunities like company volunteering events or training workshops to build a stronger connection between employees and top-level leadership.
Provide Opportunities to Grow
An important part of retaining the best employees is providing them with opportunities to grow, learn new skills, or take advantage of skills that they didn’t know they had. One way to get the best employees to thrive is through an employee volunteer program. Bringing coworkers together in a new environment will allow individuals to flex their talents, and you will likely see natural leaders emerge in the process. Volunteer programs can be a great way to pick out the “rising stars” who may become the managers of tomorrow.
Build Loyalty
The main goal of an employee retention plan is to gain loyal employees. There are many options to develop employee loyalty at your organization. Recognition and rewards are two great ways to let your employees know you appreciate their work and want them to continue to do well. Also, clarifying your organization’s mission and values statement helps employees comprehend the overall theme of your company. Keep in mind that financial rewards are only one way to retain employees. Without a positive work environment and strong relationships, it can still be difficult for well-paid employees to thrive in a stressful or negative situation.
