Lloydminster has a unique
business climate. We benefit from a very
strong economy. That is not to say that
doing business in Lloydminster does not present its challenges. One common challenge we hear from our members
is the difficulty in attracting and retaining employees. High staff turnover can be costly to
businesses. How do business owners and
managers improve employee retention? Success
in any organization comes out of the culture of that organization. Sometimes
the success and the positive bottom line of an organization is about how well
we train, support and nurture those people in our businesses that do the hard
work every day.
An
appreciative culture has strong effects on staff morale. This culture cannot happen if it doesn’t
start at the top. Becoming an “employer of choice” takes work. It takes making
changes in attitudes and it means throwing out that old authoritative
management style. Allow your employees
to feel that what they do makes a difference, listen to them, value their input
and ideas, encourage an atmosphere where they feel safe and appreciated, and
best of all, have fun! Engaged employees who recognize that their efforts make
a positive contribution to the organization, and employees who feel connected
to their job and the organization are far less likely to leave.
A supervisor is a person who achieves
results through the efforts of other people. A supervisor is charged with
creating and maintaining an environment in which all employees feel valued,
supported and motivated. Ultimately,
managers are responsible for what their staff does or does not do. Making sure
that staff is informed about the policies of the organization and trained to
their job is the manager’s responsibility.
Values in
your organization are lived by the leaders. Values are important because they
dictate how you treat others and how you treat your members or customers,
including how you act, what you do and say. In organizations they are also called
codes of conduct. Values are integral to
working in a positive environment, one that is free from bullying,
discrimination, harassment, and disrespect.
Communication
is an integral part of an organization. Not just the formal type of
communication that includes memos and postings, but the informal kind where
staff feel free to share their ideas and concerns. Regular staff meetings work
well for that type of communication amongst the group. Having an open door
policy where staff feel free to pop in and express their ideas and/or talk
about their area of work not only keeps managers connected with staff, but
keeps them in the loop as well.
A recent
report stated that employees consistently rate learning opportunities and
skills development high on their wish list. Organizations that support
training, career development, and performance plans report improved productivity
and employee morale, fewer errors, accidents and turnovers. Ensure that professional
development is relevant and appropriate for each individual.
Successful
leaders understand that there is no single solution that will ensure employee
retention. Listening to your employees, watching what other successful
businesses are doing and examining your own leadership styles, the culture of your
organization and your ability and willingness to make changes when needed is
what will make the difference.
