You’ve worked hard to build a team that you’re proud of. You spent a lot of time interviewing and hiring the people who currently work in your organisation. These people are the lifeblood of the business. They are the reason you’re able to do what you do. That’s exactly why it’s so important that you retain your best employees.
We’ve been in the recruitment business for years, which means we know why people leave their current positions and what they’re looking for when they apply for new roles. This puts us in the perfect position to pass on some advice on how to retain the top talent in your company.
Clear communication
This shouldn’t be a surprise. Communication is key in any organisation. Transparent and open communication channels should be a priority. From day one with any employee, line managers need to clearly communicate expectations, goals, and any changes in policies or procedures. In addition to top-down communication, employees should feel that they’re able to approach management with any challenges they’re facing. This leads to resolutions and problem-solving before issues build up.
Recognition and rewards
People want to be recognised for their achievements and feel valued and appreciated for what they bring to the table. Make sure that team leaders are constantly feeding back to their team members on their progress and, when necessary, rewarding hard work. It’s also a good idea to implement a fair and transparent reward system that includes both monetary rewards like raises and bonuses and non-monetary incentives (e.g., Employee of the Month Awards).
Work-life balance
Burnout is a big reason that top performers leave their roles. Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is the best way to combat this. Gone are the days when people celebrate working longer and longer hours. If you can, offer flexible work schedules and remote work options. These go a long way to ensuring that people are better able to balance their personal lives with their work responsibilities.
Professional development
People are more likely to stay in a role where they feel like they are constantly growing. Providing opportunities for skill development and career advancement is the best way to do this. It can be as simple as setting aside time for team members to take short online courses on subjects that will help their careers. It shows that you’re interested in their growth and you see a future for them at the organisation.
Positive work environment
Overall, you want to create a positive environment in your workplace, whether you’re a remote or in-person business. The people who work in your business should be brand ambassadors – willingly. Every employee should want to come to work with a smile on their face. You can foster this kind of environment by addressing and eliminating any sources of workplace negativity or discrimination quickly and effectively.
Health and wellness programmes
Show your employees that you care about them by implementing health and wellness initiatives to support their physical and mental well-being. Ask your team exactly what kind of programmes would personally benefit them, and then look into how you can make those work. Popular choices are gym memberships, wellness workshops, and mental health resources.
Team building
It’s important that people feel like they’re part of the bigger picture. A great way to do this is through team-building activities. It strengthens interpersonal relationships among your staff members and improves collaboration. Team building could be anything from an escape room to a corporate retreat, it all depends on what your team would prefer (and your budget!).
Salary and benefits
At the end of the day, people go to work to receive a salary and benefits. Ensuring that your best employees are fairly compensated is the number one way to ensure they remain with your organisation. Regularly review salary structures to align with industry standards and the cost of living so that you don’t fall behind. And if your team members want to discuss a raise, hear them out.
Of course, sometimes your top performers leave because it’s the right time, and there’s not much more you can do. And if that happens, you need to replace them with someone equally skilled. That’s where we come in. For all your hiring needs, get in touch.