It seems that the number of younger workers required to replace the rapidly aging workforce just isn’t there. This could result in a catastrophic shortage of qualified workers in various trades and professions in the Canadian market in the next few years. Under these circumstances employee loyalty and retention become critically important issues. We all know very well that raising wages cannot in itself be the ultimate retention strategy. Are there other solutions? What must you do to create a productive and loyal team?
Gone are the good-old days when you could crack-open a couple of beers as a reward to your staff. Anyhow, it never was the best idea. Busiess leaders need to create a culture that builds loyalty to spark a sense of belonging for their employees. The workplace remains the major source of personnel and professional accomplishment. Employees who feel that they are valued and appreciated, who feel important as human beings, will benefit from a level of motivation that breeds superior performance and loyalty.
Some people believe that there is a certain category of people who are destined to perform menial tasks. Unfortunately, nobody can perform a task like a robot. An employee who is asked to perform the same task day in and day out needs to know where he and his work fit in the grander scheme of things. Management’s role is to effectively communicate the importance that each person holds in the overall ‘big-picture’. The employee will then understand that his contribution makes a difference, and therefore, will feel good about this role. This is an essential part of the modern-day business culture.
‘Say what you think, and do what you say.’ This may be a cliché, but let’s take a moment to measure its importance. People aren’t dumb, and they can tell the difference between fact and fiction. In times of crisis, avoid keeping secrets and holding back. Once worried employees start speculating, the overall mood of your workplace can turn ugly. Communication always involves two parties that alternately transmit messages. Listen to your people and ask them to share their opinions. They have valuable information to share that can eventually lead to solutions
Giving away prizes or gifts as a reward for your staff does not necessarily fulfill their sense of accomplishment. Feedback, mentoring, signs of encouragement and appreciation; these are all important values that need to be adopted by all of your management personnel. You need to know that what your employees, your peers, and your family and friends are all searching for is a sense of importance and belonging. You need to establish an emotional bond with them, above and beyond the ‘rational’ messages we traditionally emit. Don’t forget to celebrate success and everyday achievements. Recognition is cheap, but the payback is huge. By doing it spontaneously, without fanfare, the necessary sincerity and emotion will always be there!