Employee retention has always been a concern for employers. The hiring process can prove to be lengthy, taking valuable time and resources. Then, there are the investments made into employees, such as through training and development. If employees then choose to leave, the costs are, ultimately, lost, potentially even being taken to a competitor’s business.
One issue that arises from this is the caution business owners have when it comes to employees, being hesitant to invest too much time or money into their position on the chance that they may leave. However, this perspective is flawed because it is often a case that a lack of support being offered to employees is an influencing factor in their leaving.
Instead, businesses must endeavour to do the opposite and make a greater effort to support their employees, creating a culture that encourages loyalty and dedication.
Career Path
An important aspect of any position of employment is its prospects. If an employee is unable to see a future that showcases the development of their professional ability and, understandably, income and security, they are unlikely to push themselves to achieve it.
Many businesses find it worthwhile to clearly outline potential progression and development opportunities to employees, often doing so during their scheduled performance reviews.
Training Opportunities
An important aspect of a career path is the opportunity for the improvement of skills. Corporate training courses are a mutually beneficial investment since employees are able to develop their ability and knowledge, furthering their professional development, while businesses are able to operate more efficiently and effectively, having an employment team of greater ability.
Training opportunities also help businesses to attract external talent to a business too, with many employees citing training opportunities as a key reason for being interested in a position.
Positive Workplace Culture
Cultivating a workplace that has a positive appeal can be difficult, especially as many departments and employees begin working remotely. However, if employees are not encouraged to have a positive sentiment toward both their coworkers and their working environment, their productivity is likely to drop, with a growing sense of alienation.
What makes for a positive workplace culture is likely to be different for each business. Therefore it is important that employees feel that they are heard and given the opportunity to continuously offer feedback. This way, managers and business leaders can ensure that they are understanding and acting upon feedback appropriately.
Work-Life Balance
A concept that has since become oddly sensitive, work-life balance has become hugely important for a number of employees and a defining part of a professional position for many of those seeking employment in the wake of the so-called Great Resignation.
The idea, however, is simple. If a professional role causes too many compromises in a personal life, employees are now increasingly likely to prioritise their own health and living situation. While this might seem like professional positions are being taken less seriously, it is actually indicative of new expectations of professional roles that can actually benefit productivity if taken seriously.