How Do I Retain Good Employees?

Finding good employees is hard these days. But keeping them can be even more difficult. In today's rat race, people are scrambling for employment. Employees are the heartbeat of a business; they are the mechanism that makes a business run; they are the life that moves a business to be something more than an idea. While getting a job is, itself, the most important thing for most, it is also essential to take into account the kind of work they are able to put out. Their output is affected whether directly or indirectly by the way their work environment treats them and shapes. Here are a few tips on how to retain good employees. 1. Find out what it is that motivates and inspires your employee to work harder and more efficiently. While money is always a good motivator, other employees find the bigger issue to be recognition, fulfillment and relationships. 2. Be sensitive to your employees in terms of how much recognition is needed. Some are stronger and can go without praise for up to a year but some others will leave after a few months of not being recognized and appreciated. 3. Learn to give incentives. They don't have to be extravagant or expensive. Little things like a gift check for a coffee and pastry shop is thoughtful enough to make your employee feel appreciated. 4. Employees are motivated by their social network in the workplace. Establish a sense of unity by engaging them in activities that make them feel like important members of one team. Establish solidarity. 5. Accessible benefits are always a plus. If your company has a sensible dental plan, have a dentist come and give a basic checkup and consultation for your employees so they are more aware of the extent of that certain benefit. 6. Be creative with the work medium. Try making arrangements for telecommuting and job sharing. 7. Create and establish clear career paths for the company so that your employees are one with you in vision and direction.