One thing about workplace talent is it does not remain hidden. So when great teams are built, how do you encourage people to stick around?
[Ed. note: We recognize that exemplary leaders help develop their teammates, and encourage lateral or promotional moves that enhance their purpose, goals, talents and contributions. Serving employees for their greater success (wherever that might be) remains on a leaders’ priority list].
However, everyone needs a solid retention strategy as well! So, how can we make the rock stars keep playing on our stage?
1. Employees want a positive work culture: For lack of a better prompt, what’s the vibe? How does your workplace appear, smell, sound and feel? What conveys the message that people are content with the fact they chose to arrive, work and stay here?
Even if it’s the most “Office Space” looking atmosphere, or a garage start-up, there are always vibe enhancers (music, chatter, laughter, etc.) If you’re not a library, why act like a library?
2. Competitive compensation/benefits: Money doesn’t buy happiness, however it creates comfort and stability. Conversely, debt can lead to unhappiness. Are you at least competitive?
3. Employee growth and development: Encourage your employees to develop their own skills and pursue certifications to help advance team success as well as their individual tool boxes.
If you can’t promise a bigger paycheck, can you beef up skill sets?
4. Work-life balance: C’mon, as if you need to hear this again. Still, according to a Harvard Business Review survey, 89 percent of employees with strong work-life balance initiatives are satisfied with their jobs.
5. Improve employee engagement: Get regular feedback and let the people know that this team talks – Banter, debate, bicker, collaborate, whatever. Just keep it frequent and contemporary.
6. Career advancement opportunities: Provide mentorship, seek mentorship, share learning/growth opportunities for teammates to explore. People’s purpose should be evolving, growing and exploring as well.
7. Get the best tech you can: While an expensive investment, teams need reliable tech. Eventually, only settle for the best tech.
8. Community/belonging: What interests do you share as a team? Can you volunteer together? Common social activities? This helps create a positive, engaging, and inclusive environment where employees feel connected, supported, and motivated.
By implementing these strategies, leaders can offer an environment that encourages employees to stay with the organization long-term.
