14Apr

The Merry-Go-Round of Employee Retention

Do you feel like you’re on a merry-go-round where employees get on and off, but very few stay for long? If your retention is low, it is frustrating and can be very time-consuming and expensive as you have to retrain someone new, and the money invested is lost. 
Before you make your next hire, consider focusing on areas that impact the overall employee experience.

What's in it for them?

Do your homework to determine how someone in a particular role is compensated. It’s not just about the paycheck, as benefits play a large part in decision-making. And most people don’t realize that a solid benefits package could allow for a salary short of being competitive.

There are also other ways to up the anty for them:

  • Hybrid work environment (split time between the office and home)
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Be clear about expectations.

It’s amazing how many employers glaze over what the job will entail. EVERY position in the company, no matter the level, should have a clear description of what the potential employee can expect. And part of the conversation should include the culture of the company. Are you in a more corporate setting, or do you support a more laid-back environment?

There is no right or wrong here. However, it’s essential to talk about it in advance, so there isn’t a shock. If someone doesn’t feel “at home” in the office, there’s a strong chance they will leave.

Do your due diligence when hiring.

The most challenging part of seeking qualified candidates is where to start.

  • You can utilize the job boards, which can be overwhelming as you’re forced to sort through hundreds of resumes that may or may not have the right qualifications and experience.
  • Or ask people in your network for recommendations.
  • You could reach out to an experienced staffing firm that knows how to drill down to the most qualified candidates. And they do the upfront interviewing to assess further, and the right firm will have the experience to see the difference between factual and fluff.

These steps are especially critical when hiring for leadership roles, as lower-level employees are more apt to leave if there is poor leadership.

Perform an "Exit" interview before it happens.

If someone leaves your company, there should be an exit interview to ensure you’re not missing something that can help avoid unwanted departures in the future. In some cases, if they’re leaving because they’re not happy, you may be able to talk it through, but that’s rare as usually there’s another career opportunity waiting for them by the time they’ve given their notice.

Talk to current employees about what they like about their job and encourage them to be open about what doesn’t make them happy. Before you have the conversation, set the guidelines that this should be a structured and professional discussion for continuous improvement, and they won’t face any consequences for being honest.

You can also use the positive data to share with potential employees and any negative data to investigate further.

Everyone in the company is essentially responsible for employee retention. Set the example by remaining professional and supporting an environment of open communication. 
09Feb

Show Your Employees You Care

Valentine’s Day is the perfect holiday to show your employees a little extra care. While chocolate and flowers may be the conventional options, there are other, more meaningful ways you can show them how much their work is valued.
Don’t wait until the last minute, and start preparing with one of these employee-focused plans today.

Host An Employee Appreciation Party

You may not have a large budget for employee appreciation, but if you’re looking for a way to show your team that you care, hosting a special party is a grand gesture. From a fancy catered night out to a lunchtime pizza party – a gathering gives employees a chance to relax and recharge. Consider providing complimentary food and drink, or expand to include activities, entertainment, or even fun prizes.

You could even begin a tradition with an annual gathering as a company-wide gift. This will give everyone something to look forward to and may even become a favorite employee perk.

Be sure to send out party details and information in advance so that employees can make schedule changes to prioritize attendance.

Holding it during regular office hours guarantees much more participation as you need to consider those who have outside commitments off-hours.

Note: If you plan on including alcohol, it is your responsibility to ensure everyone has a safe way to return home.

Publicly Recognize Hard Work

It can be easy to focus on the faces in front of the projects but don’t forget the people behind the scenes who help make it all happen. Depending on the size of your company, employees may feel overworked and underappreciated.

Give everyone a chance to shine by publicly acknowledging each employee’s work and dedication. You can do this through a company-wide email, including a personalized thank you on your business social media, or creating a printed kudos list to post in the break room. Be sure to use the names of each person and include quotes from managers or coworkers about the impact of their contribution to the work environment.

Taking the time to celebrate little wins can go a long way towards making employees feel valued and respected.

And, of course, publicly thanking them throughout the year goes a long way.

Send Your Staff a Gift

A personalized gift is a great way to make each employee feel special. Not every option has to be expensive to be impactful. A simple thank you card with a $5 gift certificate to a local coffee shop would bring a smile to any face! Try something more elaborate, like a personalized coffee mug or mouse pad if you have more time and budget.

You could even have a fruit or snack basket delivered to their home address if you’re able to go the extra mile.

A lot of it depends on the size of your company as it can get pricey. For instance, a smaller company has more flexibility, but there are ways to make it happen even with many employees.

The key is to find something meaningful, memorable, and even better if it’s useful. These types of gifts express gratitude while also reinforcing positive company culture. To follow are some ideas to consider:

  • Coffee mug (not the typical company mug with a logo, but something that says they’re appreciated)
  • Desk toy (preferably not a noisy option)
  • Gift certificate for an additional hour at lunch or a “show up an hour late to work” hall pass
Get creative as not all gifts have to cost money.

When you treat your employees well, they return the favor with better attitudes and a higher level of productivity.

At Lone Star Staffing Solutions, we love celebrating the needs of employees and employers every day! Let us manage all the details by providing you with the best cost-effective staffing solution for your unique needs.