Most startup CEOs will tell you that people are their most important asset. Yet, many business leaders still do employ strategies to ensure they keep these assets.
Below are four strategies for ensuring your company is a place where people WANT to work:
1. Give recognition. People love recognition. A small but personalized thank-you, a simple pat on the back or a “thanks for working late on this” go a long way. Public recognition is great too — writing about an individual or team on the company’s intranet or showcasing their accomplishments at an “all hands on deck” meeting can have a big impact.
2. Be flexible. A flexible work arrangement is the one perk that rises above all the rest. Companies that provide remote work options, staggered hours and reduced-hour arrangements are also more likely to attract and retain high-caliber employees.
3. Show a growth path. Employees need to believe the company is striving to create growth opportunities. Cultivate “entrepreneurship” within teams or give staffers a chance to lead projects. Cover costs to join associations and attend conferences and seminars. Match employees with senior mentors. Hold brown-bag lunches where people read the same business book and discuss it.
4. Be the boss that communicates. Written and distributed memos and letters, FAQs, newsletters, training classes, the company intranet and regular meetings — all should be used to convey the organization’s vision. And conduct a yearly satisfaction survey to show you are listening to employees. Communication is a two-way street.
For more information, visit www.trinet.com/startups.
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