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 third edition of a 22-week special on ideas you could implement to keep those best employees:


3) Make new employees feel welcome

      First impressions are lasting impressions. Small gestures that make new employees feel like an important part of the team can go a long way toward keeping them on board for the long haul. Here are some ideas for making that first day special:

• Prepare for the employee’s arrival

      Make sure that the newcomer’s office or workspace is ready on Day One. Print business cards, hook up phones and computers, and have an email address ready and waiting.

• Take a walk around.

      Take some time to walk new employees through your workplace, introducing people and pointing out important areas and items like the lunch room, photocopier, restroom, emergency exits, and so on.

• Provide some memory aids

      The new person isn’t going to remember every single person’s name and position right away. Present him or her with an organizational chart, as well as a map of the workplace. You might also provide a list of nearby lunch spots and other neighborhood conveniences.

• Spend some time with the newcomer      
     
     Once the first-day paperwork is completed, spend a half hour or so talking with the employee about your organization and his or her role in it. This will send a strong message that the new person is valued and important.