Every manager worth his or her salt wants to attract and work with top talent in their organisation, yet few are willing to commit to the hard yards that are required to be deserving of these people, and often fail to attract, and perhaps more importantly retain this rare talent. That’s not great news for those employers who are serious about becoming the type of workplace where everyone wants to work. An employer of choice is still a rare breed.
How does you organisation stack up when it comes to talent attraction and retention?
I had a meeting recently with a senior manager at prospective client and we were discussing why some businesses have new people lining up outside their door hoping to receive a job offer while others have difficulty filling similar jobs, and often operate with multiple staff vacancies. We came to the conclusion that it’s all about a company’s reputation. Everyone knows who the lousy employers are. It’s hard to change perception, but it’s not impossible.
Here are a few easy steps to take on the road to becoming an employer of choice in your industry:
Be open to change.
All too often I hear of business owners and managers who say that the reason things are done a certain way is because they’ve always been done that way. Big deal. The world has moved on, so get on board with reality and go with the flow. This kind of thinking won’t help you become the type of workplace that attracts people who are innovative, creative, motivated and engaged. In fact, the opposite is true. People who are stuck in their old ways will remain there leaving you with a workforce that should have been retired to the minor leagues years ago.
Rid yourself of toxic employees
Nothing brings a workforce down quicker than toxic employees. All it takes is one or two poor managers or employees to taint the whole workplace. I don’t need to tell you how to identify these people, as you are likely to already know who they are. What have you done to move them on? These people fail to pull their weight, are often critical, deliver poor customer service, arrive late for work, leave early and have a disproportionate amount of time off as sick leave when compared to your top performers. Basically they cost your business money in unproductive time.
Identify them and take action. If you don’t the worst thing possible will happen. They will stay and your top performers will move on. A double whammy for your business!
Eliminate those who are making your workplace a miserable place to work. Negative or disengaged employees are less productive and have a visible impact on those around them. Don’t you think it is time to help these toxic people find a career path that suits them better– somewhere else!
Energise your workplace
Many companies have been running lean and mean since the GFC, and it has now become the norm. Employees are dragging their feet to work every day and slogging along. Candidates who are interviewing with your company will sense the negative energy the moment they set foot in your door. Start investing in your business. Make some visible investments that will let your employees know your company is back on the move again. It doesn’t need to cost the earth, but get your workforce motivated.
Implementing a positive behaviour recognition program is one great way to do this, as it can focus on behaviours that make people feel appreciated, respected and valued, which has a positive impact on morale. Employees who feel valued and part of the vision will help remove the negative energy.
Celebrate success and shout about it
You may be a great company to work for, but how will that impact your business if no one else knows about it? Basically it won’t. So get out there are promote your business as a great place to work.
Revisit your mission and vision statements and include a section on your company’s philosophy toward your people. Start a company blog or newsletter, redesign the “work for us” section of your website and celebrate even the smallest positive events. With a staff recognition program you have the perfect opportunity to promote and publicise success, whether it is with rewards, certificates of excellence or just a “thank you for a job well done” comment at a staff meeting, around the coffee machine or in an email.
This will get your staff talking about you in a positive manner, inside and outside the company. What a great way to promote your business!
The bottom line? Just do something to get started!
“Whatever you do may seem insignificant, but it is most important that you do it”. Mahatma Gandhi.
Everyone wants to be on a winning team. Change your strategy, move your toxic staff on and create the type of organisation where only exceptional people need apply.
If you would like advice on how to do this, Brownie Points has expertise and solutions to help you promote a positive corporate image. Call the team on 03 9909 7411 or email us at info@browniepoints.com.au for a no obligation discussion on how we can help you business.
