<p>Many companies today will tell you that retention needs to be managed as a critical part of their business strategy, yet most companies don´t take an active role in keeping their employees happy. With approximately 75 percent of mid-sized companies experiencing annual employee turnover of up to 15 percent, organizations need to take a hard look at their attrition statistics.<br>
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There are, of course, circumstances beyond an employer´s control such as a spouse´s job transfer or an underperforming employee who is asked to resign. But what are companies doing to retain their most talented workers?<br>
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Employees expect a company to provide health care and retirement benefits, but how about implementing a truly innovative HR benefits program, one that supports employees who strive for that elusive work-life balance that is often promised, but rarely delivered? The key is to provide a meaningful work environment that not only meets the needs of the company but allows employees to fulfill their own aspirations both professionally and personally. Here are four suggestions:<br>
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<b>1. Fine-Tune Programs.</b><br>
Solicit candid feedback on employee development initiatives. Some of the most effective sessions we´ve had at Segue are follow-up meetings to discuss how managers have taken information from an internal leadership-training module and applied it to their everyday work. This is a very worthwhile exercise for identifying issues facing frontline managers and highlighting common themes across the company. It´s too easy to get tunnel vision; this venue gives managers a chance to identify and overcome common barriers.<br>
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<b>2. Understand Management Style.<br>
</b>While there´s much debate over using tools such as the Myers-Briggs personality profile to screen new employees, most managers agree that these methods can be very helpful for learning about various communication styles. Most important, it helps managers understand how their styles appear to colleagues. This can be especially helpful in avoiding potential conflicts or miscommunications.<br>
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<b>3. Enable Flexibility.<br>
</b>Job candidates today are seeking a more accommodating work environment. Forward-thinking companies recognize that this keeps employees happier and more productive. Tiered work schedules provide more coverage for client needs and free employees to work according to their own personal needs.<br>
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Sound a little touchy-feely? Actually, scientists recognize that every individual has biorhythms that change through the day and night. Enabling employees to modify their work schedules so that they´re more in tune with them can increase productivity and help minimize stress in the workplace.<br>
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<b>4. Fuel Employee Passions.<br>
</b>Take time to learn about non-work areas that are important to your employees. Many companies offer perks, such as special events and prizes, but a lot of employees are so busy with everyday life, they simply want to spend time with loved ones or give back to their community. Why not give employees a special day off to work for their favorite charity or an unexpected day with family? The small cost of a day off could have considerably more meaning than some higher-cost special event or prize.<br>
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No matter which initiative you implement, it doesn´t have to be financially prohibitive. But your efforts should be innovative, something that differentiates you from competing employers. This can engender a good deal of loyalty and go a long way toward keeping employees happy.</p>
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<p>Donna Etchings is director of human resources at Segue Software in Lexington, Mass.The article originally appeared in <b><a href="http://www.veritude.com/ResourceCenter/Home.aspx">Workforce Insights</a></b> , an online resource about emerging labor trends and issues produced by <b><a href="http://www.veritude.com/">Veritude,</a></b> a provider of strategic human resources and a wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Investments. Veritude serves clients throughout the U.S. and Canada. To review other articles, research and expert analysis relevant to HR professionals seeking to stay informed, please visit <b><a href="http://www.veritude.com/">www.veritude.com</a></b>.<b> </b> For more information, contact: <b><a href="mailto:inquiry@veritude.com">inquiry@veritude.com</a></b> or call:1-800-597-5537. </p>
<p><sup> ©</sup>2005 Veritude,LLC. Reprinted with permission.</p>
