We live in a world where people change jobs more often than ever before. Most employers can't afford to keep all of their employees, and the ones that do have limited turnover are strongly encouraged to provide opportunities for growth. And with globalization, outsourcing, immigration, and offshoring on the rise, there is always a lower-cost and more skilled candidate with an equally strong work ethic just over the border. That is why it is more important than ever for employers to ensure their retention rates are as high as possible.
"How can you do it?" you may ask. "It's already hard enough to find good quality employees, let alone retain them." The answer lies in career counseling. Here are some tips to help an employee start a new career at your company.
1. Be Honest
You can't expect to take care of your employees and expect them to be loyal if you are not loyal yourself. This doesn't mean you have to be rude, but it does mean that you have to rebuild trust between the two of you. If your employees don't trust that their employer will support their efforts, then they won't take it seriously themselves. The fact is, people often make decisions based on what someone else does. When you tell an employee that he needs more training or better equipment, he needs to realize that it's in his best interest to embrace this opportunity.
2. Make A Good First Impression
When an employee starts a new job, he expects to be treated like any other new hire. However, if his employer spends more time trying to figure out who this employee is than what the company has in mind for him, he will walk away feeling disrespected and unappreciated. It is essential that your employee's first impression of the company must be positive. You should do everything in your power to show him how you value his talent and how you as a boss can help him make his work easier and more productive for both of you.
3. Set Realistic Expectations
Communication is key in any relationship, and you need to be clear about the company's goals for your employee. If you have unrealistic expectations, your employee will start to feel like the tools that he is using are not helping him reach his goals. This might cause him to look for a new job that has more opportunities. If he feels unappreciated, he will feel like there is nothing to lose by showing up late, leaving early, or not following through with his responsibilities.
4. Keep Your Promises
Make sure you keep any promises you make to your employees. Not only will this give him a sense of security and trust, but it will also show him that you are willing to work with him if he runs into any problems. You should show an interest in the way he does things so that you can both be on the same page about what's expected in the future. Your employees will feel much happier about making a commitment to their jobs if they know that their employer is committed to them.
5. Give Them Space
Too much communication can be as bad as not enough. Your employees need time to process what they are learning, and they need time at home away from the office in order to balance their lives better. If you don't give them this space, then they will feel overwhelmed and frustrated. They might also feel like you are trying to choose their next career for them and that they have no room to grow.
Bottom Line
Managers and employers face the challenge of their employees' career development every day. It is up to you to set an example, signal a new direction, and motivate your team to find rewarding new careers. If you treat them right and keep them happy, they will help you stay successful. Reach out to Network ESC to see how we can help!
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