25-Jan-10 9:00 PM CST

How to Retain Good Employees: Basics You Need to Know and Follow

Human Resources expert Jean Fortin addressed attendees at the 2003 Hunter Preferred Contractor Program Business Conference on the subject of hiring and retaining good employees. In the previous article, we covered “How to Find and Hire Good Employees.” Here are highlights of the rest of her discussion.

Once you find the ideal candidate to fill your company’s job needs and make that candidate an employee, how do you ensure that your decision was correct and that you hired someone who will be an employee for many years to come?

Recognition

While money is important to employees, what tends to motivate them to perform at higher levels is the thoughtful, personal kind of recognition that signifies true appreciation for a job well done. Numerous research studies have confirmed this.

The motivation is even stronger if the recognition creates a story the employee can tell to family, friends and associates for years to come. Think about it: how much extra would it cost you to surprise an employee and their spouse with dinner at a nice restaurant as thanks for a continual “job well done?” The investment is minimal when you think about how much that employee might appreciate your recognition – and it’s goodwill that you can’t put a price tag on.

People appreciate knowing that they, themselves, are appreciated. Yet, it is amazing how little extra effort it takes by an employer and how few actually take the time to do this.

No-cost Recognition

Acknowledging the efforts of your employees doesn’t always have to be something tangible, like a fine dinner or a gold watch. Sometimes, mere words can be enough.

Don’t be afraid to tell an employee right in front of his or her peers what outstanding thing they did. Don’t embarrass them, but make it clear to everyone why this individual is being singled out. It can inspire others to work harder so that they might also be recognized.

Take the time to celebrate significant achievements or milestones of your employees. When someone has helped bring in new business or has reached an employment anniversary with your firm, do something special to acknowledge the event.

Low Cost Rewards

Why not salute the contributions of all your employees by bringing in lunch for them? In fact, you might consider doing something like that before they’ve even done a good job, as an incentive. Letting them know that you appreciate them before they do something special can inspire them to perform.

Also, consider placing small cash awards with personal thank you notes inside the paychecks of employees whose efforts you want to recognize. Or give gift certificates from local stores and restaurants (or national retailers or American Express) for a job well done.

Attendance and Safety Awards

Your best employee has never missed a day of work in years on the job. Isn’t that worthy of some recognition?

Attendance is an overlooked part of many employees’ job performance. In a society where many look for the easiest way out of doing what’s expected, the folks who are always there for you deserve to be acknowledged for their character and dedication.

Another often-overlooked effort is an employee’s contribution to a safe workplace. If a worker has continually helped to make your job sites the safest they can be, acknowledge their good deeds with some sort of safety award.

Bonus Programs

Ideally, you want a staff of top notch employees who put forth maximum effort and will go the extra mile for you. And when you are in the market for a new employee, if you received a referral from one of your best employees, wouldn’t you be tempted to consider that person as a prime candidate for the job, figuring the apple might not fall far from the tree? If so, consider paying a referral bonus to an employee who recommends a person who you eventually hire. You could also think about paying a rehire bonus for seasonal employees who performed well for you during their previous term of employment. For truly exceptional seasonal workers, you might also give them an additional bonus when they complete the season with you.

It takes a lot of effort to find the individuals who will become the best employees for your company. Doesn’t it make sense that you'd want to hold on to those people? That being the case, put just as much effort into retaining these employees as you did into finding them.

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