Help Wanted- Keys to Employee Retention
By Erika Nicole Howard
“Good help is hard to find”. If ever that quote was accurate, it is now. Our national unemployment rate is at 4.2%, meaning nearly 6.2M Americans are not working. Surely in that number, are some well qualified driven workers? This obviously is in the wake of the pandemic; people simply don’t desire to return to work. “Now Hiring” signs and “Help Wanted” posters are in abundance. But why?
With Americans having had time to reevaluate working situations, the quality of work and the lack of “work life balance”, many have simply turned to alternatives from clocking in. Months spent at home and many were able to really consider what they really desired from a job. Ultimately, this will later result in career changes.
Now as an employer, it has become much harder to hire. Once you hire a new employee, I would like to give some pointers on how to keep them. Employee retention is crucial. First, remember that your employees are an investment. Invest time in ensuring your onboarding is solid. Proper training and preparation prevent poor performance. Let them know that they are more than a number and express the importance of their role in the organization. In my research, I have found that things like enabling gratification, providing opportunities for growth, identifying responsible employees, empowering them, facilitating collaboration, and supporting success through processes, all drive both employee retention and engagement.
So, after you have vetted the qualified employee, consider these factors in retaining them. According to Gallup, companies that have happier employees, show 147% higher earnings per share than their competitors. It is important that employees understand the history of the company and the goals. Employees who buy into your vision are more likely to stay and help you accomplish it.
Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Atlantic said, “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to”.
