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Retention Programs

Building a retention program is an excellent way to address common HR problems

Recognition

Problem: Employers fail to recognize workers as much as they should; Employers fail to recognize that workers are their most important asset

Solution: Implement a recognition program. Workers need to know:

• they are doing useful work, making a positive contribution to the business;
• they are doing the work well and their extra efforts are noticed and appreciated; and
• they have the respect of their peers and management.

Invest in employee professional development/training, such as the emerit online and paper-based programs. This would communicate to employees that they are valued members of the organization and that their contribution is recognized.

Result: satisfaction; motivation

Need help? Use the Guide to Building a Recognition Plan in the emerit HR Toolkit!

Commitment

Problem: Employers are not really committed to their employees and fail to demonstrate that they value them; Employers consider high staff turnover as normal in the industry

Consequence: intention to leave organization

Solution

• Show workers that you, as an employer, are committed to them. If employees perceive that their employer is genuinely committed to and supportive of them, they will tend to return the commitment and support to their employer.
• Open the lines of communication within your organization, giving every employee a voice and sharing work-related information with all staff. You must be willing to listen to your employees, respond to their concerns, and actually do what you say you’ll do.

Compensation

Problem: Presence of pay inequities either internally (between employees in similar positions) or externally (between this organization and the competitors)

Consequence: dissatisfaction; intention to leave organization

Solution: Ensure the wages offered to your employees are fair, equitable, and competitive.

Result: commitment; motivation

Need help? Use the Compensation & Benefits module in the emerit HR Toolkit!

Flexible Benefits

Problem: Employers offer no benefits; Employers offer the same package to all employees without taking into consideration individual differences and preferences

Solution: Strive to match benefits to each employee’s particular situation and needs.

Result: retention

Work-life Balance

Problem: Employers offer no flexibility to adapt to an individual’s schedule

Consequence: Intention to leave organization

Solution: Offer flexible work hours and consider allowing for such terms as part-time work or parental leave to accommodate the reality of an employee’s family life.

Looking for more information on how to build a retention plan?