It’s 2010 and everyone’s making their New Year’s resolutions. It’s always important for any organisation to keep its good people.

We’ve been training managers for four decades and here’s what we believe the three main areas are where you can improve your retention.

1. Recruiting: Often the pressure to recruit quickly makes managers loosen their criteria and put people in role who do not have the skills to do the job. This wastes important resources, forcing managers to dedicate extra time to these sub-standard performers instead of working with people who will be more productive. Focus on recruiting those with the correct skills, not just filling seats.
2. Training: While much of the initial training employees receive may be thorough, how much on-going training is given to the front line employees? Lack of on-going training creates an environment where employers demand results yet provide no additional guidance to overcome daily obstacles on the job.
3. Environment: Once you get your employees in the door and through their initial training, the environment you create on a consistent basis will determine how many employees you keep in the long run. Managers that treat people well and work to help their team on a daily basis, earn their loyalty and longevity.

Ask yourself:

• Do my employees look like they are enjoying their work?
• Are my managers focusing on training and helping their teams improve?
• Are my managers taking time to recognise employees for a job well done?
• Are my managers visible and available to their staff throughout the day?

If you answered “NO” to any of these questions, then more than likely your organisation will have problems retaining employees. Employees will stay only for as long as they need to, while constantly looking for new opportunities.

Take control of your retention by examining the three areas listed above.

• Getting the right people in the seats.
• Getting the right people to train them consistently.
• Creating a place where people want to work.

Demanding that your managers focus on being of service to your front line employees will ensure that productivity and retention will follow.

If your managers need help in the areas of selection interviewing, coaching and mentoring or any other vital management skills contact us now.