It is said that skilled and motivated employees are the backbone of any successful business enterprise.This puzzle starts with finding the right people for the right positions and keeping them within the business for as long as possible. While it is practically impossible to keep an employee forever, there are certain factors which can assist a business enterprise to prevent its employees from leaving in numbers often or being poached. It is a fact that people will always go where they can find career fulfillment, growth opportunity, appreciation and a sense of belonging. Below are some of the ways in which you can hold on to your employees:
Maintenance is key – One big failure on the part of employers is to fail to maintain. In order to maintain your employees, strive to keep them informed about the business performance, goals and objectives. Make them part of these goals and objectives and show them how their contribution goes a long way in achieving goals.This should be coupled with the ability to make employees celebrate success.
Apply fairness at all times – Fairness and consistence should be applied when dealing with employees.Team dynamics can easily be distorted when certain employees are being advantaged over others. It is also important to understand peoples challenges by showing some compassion and treating them like human beings.
Pay accordingly – Remunerate people fairly and surprise them with small acts of kindness when they least expect it. If you have had a bumper month, give something back to the employees.
Be a step ahead – Always strive to build a reputation which employees want to associate with, build a brand that the employee can own and that speaks to their value system.Employees want to be associated with successful companies, so work on making yours successful.
Train your managers -The supervisory skills of managers go a long way in building a good business. Managers must never be made to understand that their role is to keep employees motivated and productive. A little training in management skills for managers will go a long way in keeping a motivated workforce.
Don’t be bitter – Even if the employee leaves, regardless of how aggrieved you may feel, treat them with respect and understanding. Wish them well with their careers. It is never a bad idea to express the loss you feel and ask them to keep in touch.
Apart from the above measures, draw up good contracts to protect business interests as well as the interests of the employee.These contracts must include restraint of trade, confidentiality and protection of intellectual property, copyright, non-compete and other relevant clauses.