10 Tips for Staff Retention in 2010

Employers may have a common resolution in mind as the new year approaches: keeping top performers on board. As Canada begins to come out of a difficult recession, many companies recognize that their most valued employees will be presented with other opportunities.

This national survey was developed by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis, and conducted by an independent research firm. The survey is based on more than 270 telephone interviews with Chief Information Officers (CIO) from a random sample of Canadian companies with 100 or more employees

It is clear that potential employee turnover is a concern for many CIOs heading into the new year and 44% of 270 CIOs recently interviewed for the survey said retaining existing workers will be their number-one staffing priority in 2010.
 
"Technology professionals, in particular, are under increased pressure as companies proceed with previously postponed initiatives," said Geoff Thompson, Vice President of Robert Half Technology. "Preventing burnout amongst top employees is essential to maintain productivity and gain momentum as the economy improves. Prior downsizings and reduced benefits have left many workers feeling overburdened and unappreciated."

Thompson added that retention efforts will be critical to evading turnover in the coming year. "Companies need to re-engage and entice existing employees as if they were prospective hires or possibly yield to competitor threats."

Thompson offers the following 10 tips for retaining your top performers:

∙    Re-recruit your best workers. Talk with employees about what might enhance their job satisfaction and remind them of the unique benefits provided by your company. Emphasize what your firm has to offer, whether it's a great corporate culture, solid financial standing or, strong industry reputation.

∙    Evaluate workloads. One in four CIOs polled said they plan on redistributing staff workloads to meet project demands. While every project may seem like a priority, there are likely some that can take a backseat to more pressing matters.

∙    Provide project support. Employees who have lost co-workers to layoffs are, in many cases, now doubling down. If hiring is not an option, consider bringing in project professionals to help alleviate workloads.
∙    Invest in professional development. Offering more training and professional development benefits both the employee and the company. Online learning opportunities, mentoring programs and tuition reimbursement are all good options.

∙    Provide opportunities for career advancement. Structure positions so employees can grow their careers without leaving your firm. Offer promotions to workers who have demonstrated they can succeed at the next level.

∙    Recognize excellence. While it would appear obvious, but a simple 'thank you' and public acknowledgement of your staff's contributions will strengthen their loyalty.

∙    Communicate regularly with staff (don't just say it - do it). Maintain an open-door policy year-round. Workers want to hear about company news, in good times and bad.

∙    Encourage more team-building activities. No doubt, many companies have cut back on employee perks, but an occasional group activity, such as a trip to the movies or an offsite lunch, can make them feel more appreciated.

∙    Consider compensation. While not all firms can offer employees increased salaries, there may be potential for spot bonuses at the end of a major project or team accomplishment.

∙    Promote work/life balance. Give staff members the option to follow a flexible schedule or tele-commute one day a week. It doesn't cost anything to implement these changes and workers will appreciate the leeway.

The Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce is proud of the people who shop in Cornwall. So much so it wants to thank them and to do so, it has come up with a unique program sponsored by the Chamber and StarTek ~ Community Matters.

A series of feature ads in local media will identify participating merchants and will include a coupon that shoppers clip and take with them when they shop. After they complete their purchase, they fill out the coupon and place it in a special box at the store. There will be weekly draws with some lucky shoppers winning one of a number of $50 gift certificates. At the end of the campaign, there will be a grand prize draw and two lucky shoppers will each win a $1,000 local shopping spree.

Program details and a list of participating merchants can be found by visiting the Chamber web site www.cornwallchamber.com. Home For The Holidays begins on Monday, November 23 and continues until Wednesday, December 23.