Employee retention has become a matter of growing concern. According to a study by talentkeepers.com, an employee retention firm, more than 80% of business executives consider employee retention a top priority. This figure increased from 41% in 2007. What is causing this concern? One of the concerns is the new culture clash. Many of the recent college graduates may not have been acclimated to the work environment of today. Even though many fresh ideas and enthusiasm from these new recruits go a long way to connecting with like-minded potential clients, corporate culture may be standing in the way.
Today, work schedules may include 2am instant messaging, attending virtual meetings, or networking at “after-hours” events. Some business owners may not see the immediate return on the investment regarding these events. Some business executives perhaps need to see that the work ethic, although strong in these new employee recruits, may need to be redefined at the corporate level.
To understand each other, communication on a 2-way level, becomes more critical to gain the assurance on the part of both parties toward keeping their eyes on the end objective.
What can be done to maintain quality employees? Establish objectives for an incentive program.
· Communicate your program to encourage teamwork, competition and reinforce the objectives.
· Promote your program throughout the entire time frame.
· Offer awards for meeting goals along the way and when the goals are finally achieved.
Make sure your goals are reasonable, attainable and measurable so that everyone knows where they stand.
Remember that when a person is given positive motivation and challenged to achieve goals, performance will be much greater than without positive motivation.
John Gallagher, CAS -promotional marketing idea generator
