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Stories in this issue: |
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Top talent: The bottom line Ten ideas for real recognition Playing by the rules Make compliance work for you Only the best Avoid the quick win quagmire |
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Top performers almost always exceed an average worker by about 25%. They can be the difference between success and failure in any economy, and right now, they are more critical than ever. They’re also in short supply. This makes it critical that you not only attract the best, but that you keep the top performers already fueling your business. Unfortunately, even in a sour economy, the majority of employees are always keeping an eye out for a better gig.
How can you retain and develop a top-notch staff? Consider the following five-point plan. 1. Create a Great First and Lasting Impression The best people want to work for the best company. Ensure that your business stands out from the crowd by offering current and potential employees: 2. Tell Compelling Stories When offered the option between watching a movie and reading a book, most people will pick the movie. Keep this in mind as you impart information to your staff, even if the information you need to share is not particularly interesting. Engage them with a variety of media and compelling communication that relates to their roles in the company. 3. Hot Buttons Every employee is unique and has unique motivations. Find out what they are. Remember them. Use this information to tailor your relationships – and your incentive programs, training initiatives, special projects, etc. – for optimal performance from every employee. 4. Engaging Hearts and Minds For optimal results, you want more than simple job proficiency; you want a sense of personal responsibility. Develop this by providing employees with an environment that offers flexibility, growth and development opportunities, and a chance to become deeply involved. For instance, consider flex-shifts or allow employees to help solve challenges. Offer lunchtime learning session on topics that affect your employees as well as your business. Each employee brings a specific strength to the company – let that person demonstrate it. 5. Keep It Up A big part of attracting and retaining the best employees is maintaining an ongoing commitment to keeping your best. Recognize signs that an employee is thinking about leaving and have a plan to keep them. Go beyond merely telling them that you value them (though this is certainly important). Regularly query your employees about what they want from their careers and what would tempt them to leave you. Act on what they tell you. Make sure your employees know you are committed to them. By implementing your own version of this five-point plan, you’ll be better positioned to save your stars and reap the benefits of higher productivity, happier employees and improved customer satisfaction. Source: Customer Management Insight, January, 2009
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