RETENTION: WAYS TO AVOID LOSING YOUR BEST EMPLOYEES!

For the past 2-3 years more companies are challenged with a) finding good employees, and b) keeping those good employees.  These challenges are like the debate about which came first: the chicken or the egg?

Recruiting "good employees" has become more and more hard.  There was a time period, when all a company had to do was post a job, and good people were lined up for being hired.  Then things changed.  Yes, there are many who are unemployed, but when looking for people with specific skills and/or experience, that is another ball game. 

Yes, we have the internet and online postings, but often that brings a large number of candidates but many lacking the skills and experience needed.  Of course, some skills can be taught, but that takes time, as well as someone to train instead of working.

Next, you may finally land some good employees, but in the past few years employers have been lax at providing training and coaching in order for those "good employees" to grow and develop.  And when times were tough, employers would release the less capable employees (as well as many good ones), dumping more work on the existing employees. 

These existing good employees have been complaining the past two years -- not about the frozen salaries, though that is disappointing, but they have been even more disappointed about given NO recognition of all the additional work they are doing, in addition to longer hours.

EMPLOYERS, there are creative and practical ways to reward your employees.  Here are a few effective ways to "retain" your good employees:

1. Provide some solid training workshops to help them grow and develop -- i.e. Leadership or Management Training Workshops, Effective Custom Service Training, Team Building, etc.
2. Consider some "Educational Retirement Planning Workshops" and allow spouses to attend.  This can help them prepare for their future.
3. Arrange for some local businesses to provide a discount for your employees and possible pick up arrangements: i.e. Dry Cleaner, Day Care, Car Repair Services, etc.
4. If some of your employees are having financial challenges, Compass Career Management Solutions can provide "Educational Money Management Workshops" to help with credit cards, setting up budgets, etc.

EMPLOYERS, show some valuable support to your employees.  You can be assured that this kind of support will improve the loyalty of your employees.  Don't put off.  Do this SOON!  Then watch retention improve, and employees recommending you to others in a job search.