Our corporate society has changed drastically over the past forty years. No longer are professionals feeling compelled to stay with an organization over the long haul. With economic uncertainty, quickly shifting trends and leaps and bounds in technological advances, employers are no longer in a position to offer long term job security. This is not necessarily a negative trend - but a different one. Employers today will have to create an environment that gives employees a compelling reason to stay.

Interestingly enough, there are a number of simple strategies that employers can institute into their culture that can give them the edge in retaining high performers. Most of these approaches do not require resources to establish, but do take a concerted effort to ingrain within the organizational philosophy.

Retention tips for today's workforce:

Praise Productivity, Ingenuity and Initiative. Incredibly, this is the most effective tool in retaining outstanding personnel and unfortunately the most overlooked. Many times, employers will "expect" high degrees of productivity and ingenuity and will never share their enthusiasm and gratitude with the employee. In addition, strong initiative is what has helped get you to your current position and the initiative of a grateful employee is what can get you and your organization even further. Take time daily to boost to their confidence by praising productivity and ingenuity.

Help Them Find their Niche. Employees want to make a contribution to the organization and need to feel valuable within the organization. Employees don't leave jobs they are naturally suited for; nor do they leave places where they feel they are making a contribution. They leave jobs when they feel their work is not appreciated or when they find themselves doing work that is not compatible with who they are (i.e. "round peg" in a "square hole"). Look for opportunities to help employees find their niche and place in the workplace.

Listen, Listen and Continue to Listen. When an employee has an issue of any sort - listen. No matter how trivial it appears to you, it is having a very real impact on your employee. By listening and offering advice when possible, you are signaling to the individual that you value them and care about their happiness within the organization.

Always be Open to New Ideas. Sometimes it is that idea that "comes out of nowhere" that can take an organization to its next level. Keep the lines of communication constantly open and create an open atmosphere of ideas and collaboration.

Offer Non-monetary Opportunities. Although difficult for some to comprehend, money is not everything to everyone. As competitive monetary compensation is a necessity, it is not always what motivates the employee. When employees find their niche in the workplace they are connected emotionally to their work. They are not just putting in their time and getting a paycheck, they are plugged in on many levels (emotionally and intellectually). Continuously look for developmental experiences and/or special projects that would give them an opportunity to add value to the organization while engaging their natural strengths.

Pass Along Your Wisdom. Finally, employees want opportunities to learn, grow and develop from seasoned mentors. They want access to mentors who can pass along their wisdom of experience as well as recommend challenging work assignments and developmental opportunities.

To retain your most valuable employees - you must value those individuals at every level of their personal and professional growth. Retention does not have to be costly, but it does require a determined effort on the part of management to encourage, to advocate and to appreciate the most important element of the organization - the employee.

Reprint permission granted by Alison Sfreddo, The Mentoring Connection. Copyright protected worldwide.