How to retain your best employees

      The rules of employee retention have changed. No longer can loyalty be bought with big salaries, hefty bonuses, and rich benefits packages. Today it takes intangible, non-monetary rewards to create an atmosphere that makes your people feel valued, respected, and involved. It take a whole new way of thinking. This is the secondt edition of a 22-week special on ideas you could implement to keep those best employees:

2) Don’t wait for the Two-Week Notice

       One of your well-liked and productive employees who has bee there for 3 years, walks into your office on Monday morning, closes the door, and gives her two-week notice. If your company is like most, the following two weeks will go something like this: As word of Jane’s departure travels through the office, co-workers will approach her, expressing their sadness that she’s leaving and praising her many contributions to the company. A farewell lunch will be scheduled in her honor. She’ll receive cards and gifts from you and other colleagues. And on her last day, you’ll conduct your exit interview so that she can explain what went wrong and how to make the position better.

      What’s wrong with this picture? It’s often easy to take employees for granted- especially the good ones. If Jane had been treated during her first three years as she was during her final two weeks, she probably never would have left.

      Remember, the time to show your appreciation is when an employee is an active, vital member of your team. The time to identify and fix problems is before they become reasons to look for a new job. Promise yourself this: The next gift you give to an employee won’t be a farewell gift.