10 Ways to Hire and Keep the Best
Gayle Christopher, Ph.D. | Workplace Productivity Programs
Of course you want to hire and retain the best employees for your company. In the current economic climate, many quality individuals are looking for work and existing employees are concerned about the future of their jobs and the health of the company. Opportunities to leave or change jobs within the company may be more limited than in the past, but you want to hire and keep the best people.
Now, more than ever, non-financial ways to motivate and engage your employees are important for maintaining business productivity in lean times.
Ten tips to keep in mind:
1. Mentoring. Set up a program where more experienced employees are matched with newer ones for support and learning in both directions.
2. Promises. Make sure that whatever is promised during the hiring process is something that your company can truly deliver.
3. Supervision. Don’t leave new employees high and dry. Make sure they have a supervisor who is accessible and able to help out during the crucial settling-in process.
4. Training. Provide regular training opportunities, both inside and outside the workplace. Consider making training a factor in an employee’s regular yearly assessment.
5. Self-improvement. Give employees the chance to grow and improve themselves. Make sure they have the resources they need to do their job..
6. Clear expectations. When you assign work or hire someone, be absolutely concrete in what you expect—responsibilities, reporting structures, feedback loops, schedules and goals. It may help to put expectations in writing.
7. Feedback. Give criticism in a constructive manner, and always let employees know when they are doing a good job and their productivity is valued. Remember that feedback goes both ways, so be sure to listen.
8. Career planning. An employee who has no opportunities within the company is likely to jump ship. Find out what your workers’ long-range plans are so you can work with them as they develop.
9. Handling problems. Be responsible and accountable when things go wrong, and take complaints seriously.
10. Motivation. Know what drives individual employees, and find ways to help them feel valued.
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