A 5 STEP PROGRAM TO RETAIN EMPLOYEES

Kandi Chapman, President and Founder
MBI Worldwide Background Checks

Congratulations!  You’ve made a great new hire!
Now comes the hard part, keeping that new employee content and on the payroll for years to come.

Here are five simple steps you can take to help your best and brightest stay on board.

1. LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
   Like any aspect of life you’ve got to lead by example.  Even if you’re “the boss” or in management, behave the way you’d like employees to.  Show up on time.  Work hard.  Don’t show your frustrations or unhappiness with the company in front of others.  If you show those around you that you’re happy with the workplace, that attitude will be duplicated and more likely to send staff to the exit.  
2. RECOGNIZE AND REWARD THOSE WITH GOOD BEHAVIOR. 
   But also take time to notice the performance of your staff.  Don’t just criticize when mistakes are made.  And when you do have to bring up a negative situation, keep a positive tone.  A pat on the back, a “job well done” or even better extra compensation can go a long way in making an employee feel valued.  That sense of self worth translates into loyalty to the company.
3. PERFORMANCE REVIEWS. 
   Those reviews should come sooner rather than later.  Don’t wait for the employee to ask you how they’re doing.  Hold performance reviews each quarter and give meaningful feedback.  Set goals for the next quarter and follow through on any incentives promised along the way.  If a goal doesn’t work out, evaluate why without casting blame on anyone.
4. BE FLEXIBLE. 
   Your situation may not allow you to reward employees with bonuses or raises.  Time off can go a long way to a hard worker.  Allow staff members to come in late occasionally if they have to run the kids to school.  Or let them leave the office early to attend their child’s soccer game.  Too many hard and fast rules can create turmoil, unhappiness and resentment.  Many places are breaking the traditional 9 to 5 mold.
5. COMPANY CULTURE.
   Have some fun.  The workplace doesn’t have to be an uptight and serious situation at all times.  Encourage laughter and time to “stop and smell the roses.”  If you get a sense that things are getting too stressful or too tense, lighten the mood with a joke when it’s appropriate.  Laughter is good for everyone’s health.  It decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells.  

These are just a few of the things to help keep your teamintact.  Remember what kept you in place as a rising star in your organization, and put those steps into practice when possible.