Keeping the Team Together: Tips for Employee Retention
Olivia Hairfield
Published: 10/25/2023
Following up on our first article in this series, we’ll look at suggestions Ann Caulkins, senior vice president of Novant Health and president of Novant Health Foundations, shared about retention during her presentation at Leading Forward at the 2023 International Conference
Leading vs. Managing
Leaders play a pivotal role in guiding organizations through change and uncertainty, but it’s important to note the difference between leading and managing. Leading involves inspiring and motivating employees, aligning them with the organization's mission and values. Managing, on the other hand, focuses on the day-to-day tasks and processes. To retain top talent, leaders must prioritize inspiration over mere support and instill a sense of purpose. For longevity, you want team members who are invested in your organization’s mission and goals.
Personal Touch and Mentorship
A personal touch is crucial for retention. Ann suggests assigning new employees a coworker to be a sponsor and guide the new hire in their early days. It’s also essential to have the new employee meet the leadership team within two weeks of their start date. This personal introduction helps newcomers feel valued and integrated into the organization.
Reimagining Job Descriptions
To retain creative and ambitious employees, job descriptions should be flexible and updated frequently. As a new employee settles into a role, they will find new ways to optimize the workflow that better fit their style. Their job description should stay current with these adjustments as the employee gains experience. This allows for career growth and development, making it more likely for employees to stay with the organization long term.
Invest in Your Team with Professional Development
A survey by Better Buys found that employees who have professional development opportunities are 15% more engaged and have 34% higher retention than those who don’t. At Novant Health, Ann ensures her team has chances to nurture their professional development by providing monthly training in a range of topics. If a new hire is short on experience, professional development has the extra benefit of improving their skills.
Gratitude, Appreciation, and Fun
Employee retention isn't just about the workplace; it's also about fostering a positive culture. Ann emphasizes the importance of gratitude, appreciation, and fun in the workplace. Creating opportunities for social interactions and recognition can go a long way in retaining top talent. Recognition doesn’t have to be big or expensive, but it should be frequent and consistent. Recognition can look like a weekly newsletter highlighting team accomplishments, quarterly awards, or small prizes for key milestones.
Ann's insights on employee retention underscore the importance of strong leadership, employee-centric policies, and a culture that values diversity, inclusion, and innovation. By prioritizing these principles, organizations can attract and retain top talent, ultimately driving their success and growth. Retaining top talent requires ongoing effort and investment, but the rewards are well worth it.