Retaining Top Talent
Posted on Fri, Feb 19, 2010 @ 03:20 PM
By Denise Hutchins, Executive Director of Life Sciences
Retaining top talent allows you and your organization to build its people power at all levels and conduct succession planning. It is the key to success and growth at all levels.
There are several different forms of recognition to help with retention; here are a few I suggest:
IT'S ‘THE LITTLE THINGS':
Employees want to be recognized; in the thousands of employment surveys taken, ‘recognition' is always the #1 thing lacking in an employee's job. Saying ‘thank you' or sending a handwritten thank you note can go a long way in showing an employee that you appreciate their work. Many times, extravagant is not necessary or as memorable as a smaller token of appreciation. Don't forget to execute on doing the little things for your people. The little things can make all the difference.
TRAINING & PROJECTS:
Training outside a person's specialty is always a good way to express long-term commitment to that employee. Plus, project assignments off the beaten path of what the person would generally manage allows for personal and professional development, stretching of that person's skill sets, new challenges, and sources of inspiration.
NETWORKING:
Creating networking opportunities is a good way to expose your top talent to new ideas and thought leaders. Take a colleague to an interesting symposium or after-hours event. Helping a colleague reach the next level shows you care and are invested in that person's career growth.
OVER COMMUNICATE:
Communicating corporate strategy and direction as well as career path potential with your employees is critical to retention. Communication is always key but even more so during these turbulent times. When there is not enough communication, people will draw their own conclusions.
Please share with me what you and your company are doing to retain your top talent. We are considering hosting an event for us to share the best ideas we receive.