Retention strategies: Common pitfalls in this economic climate

A recent article by Recruiter Daily is urging managers to re-engage their staff, rather than risk them choosing to "jump ship". There are several common mistakes employers are making, and this is affecting their retention and productivity rates.

""Lucky to have a job" is not a retention strategy" says Recruiter Daily. Managers cannot take for granted that their employees will remain in their current positions now that the economy is starting to look up. This is the time when new opportunities are presenting themselves, and unhappy employees will choose to "fly the nest" or "jump ship".

So what are most managers doing wrong?

·    Focusing on solutions and not problems
·    Micromanaging employees
·    Not taking customer complaints seriously
·    Difficulty motivating employees

Recruiter Daily stresses that the "my way or the highway" approach will not work on the new generation. Employees will  begin to feel oppressed, and subsequently "jump ship" if they are not given a voice. The managing director of one firm stated that by taking a more "holistic approach", they were able to move away from focusing on financial targets, to combining these objectives with performance management, training and development, and teamwork.

Recognise the early signs. Re-engage your staff and you could reap the benefits.

[Source: Recruiter Daily June 2010]