What are your top employee retention strategies that really work?
Answers
Get the heck out of the office with co-workers. We like to plan offsites to do fun things like bowling, mini-golf, bbq, whatever. Just getting folks out of the office puts them in a whole other frame of mind and helps build bonds and trust. Also shows them that it's not all about work, the company cares about taking time out to enjoy life. We find doing this quarterly, which seems like a lot but is really not, is very effective at increasing job satisfaction.
PAY THEM!!!!
Ok, it isn't that simple. But no matter how much you read on
Of course they matter, but old fashion dollars trump everything else. Many people will disagree in theory, but history and experience will prove it time and time again. It's our job to provide the best working environment within a budget. But an inadequate budget will torpedo all other efforts. Get that right to start with.
Recognition is very powerful - company blast e-mail of acknowledgement (free); lunch with CEO (minimal); best process improvement idea contest with recognition (minimal).
We've been voted the best place to work in Chicago for the 3rd year in a row and have extremely low turnover so we are very passionate here at Centro about employee happiness which leads to retention.
I would recommend looking at your hiring and interview practices to ensure you're hiring the right people for the right jobs. We look for people who's passion, strengths and goal align with the job they're doing.
We also establish an environment and culture that keeps people engaged and happy. We put a huge focus on understanding people's
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Carrie - congratulations on your company's recognition. I agree with your point of view - hire the right people to begin with. Thx, GAP
Don't be a jerk to work for. At the end of the day, your employees work for YOU, and will put up with a lot (bad hours, less-than-great pay, struggling company, etc.) if they like their boss and respect him/her. That's true up and down the ranks - its definitely true for me when i think about why I stayed in certain situations.