Recruitment and Retention
15 Feb, 2012
If you've ever lost a star employee, you know it can come as a huge blow. You invested time to review resumes, interview candidates, train the new recruit, and now you're wondering how you'll manage without them. Hiring and training a new employee is a massive expense, as well as risk—what is the likelihood you'll find one as good as the one you lost? And why did you lose them in the first place? Some of the most common reasons for a star employee to jump ship include:
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05 Jan, 2012
Many years ago, I had the good fortune of working for a manager in an organization that took the whole new employee orientation and integration process very seriously. I stayed with the organization for 18 years.
Of course, I didn’t appreciate what kind of an impact this type of employee integration and solid leadership would have on me throughout my working career until I went on to work with others.
Let me explain . . .
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30 Nov, 2011
I recently provided a workshop for a client on workplace accommodation and a couple of the participants came to me afterward to talk about specific situations they were having in their respective worksites. Both of them were working with employees who had been off sick for an extended period of time and they seemed fearful to seek information from the returning employees.
I thought that it might be worth providing some information on how to manage a return to work or workplace accommodation so that some of that fear could be removed – if these two had concerns – there may be others.
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09 Nov, 2011
The workplace is always evolving. The recession, in particular, has hastened and highlighted many of these changes, including the growing age gap among the current workforce. According to a study from the Pew Research Center, over the past 20 years the number of older workers has steadily risen, while younger adults are waiting longer to enter the labor force. This means that the workplace is becoming even more diverse in the age groups it contains, and leaders are now dealing with the added strain of catering their retention and recruitment efforts to this varied palette of employees.
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26 Oct, 2011
Can’t find the time to travel to a conference? Interested in connecting online with other HR professionals?
We've compiled a list of free webinars being offered over the next week.
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Facebook has 500 million, Twitter 190 million, LinkedIn 70 million. It’s undeniable that social media has changed the way the world communicates. The business community has embraced new media, with marketing and sales leveraging a variety of platforms to connect with and engage their customer. In many cases companies have also worked on perfecting their employer brand, attempting to appeal to potential recruits through Facebook and LinkedIn. But what have companies been doing for their current employee base?
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12 Oct, 2011
Total wellness recognizes that all thoughts, words, and actions affect one’s overall health and well-being. Wellness is an integration of the mind, body, and spirit, permeating all areas of a person’s life—including work. This idea is further supported by Sorrentino’s definition of wellness: the achievement of the best health possible in the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions of one’s life. Many theorists describe wellness as a holistic and comprehensive concept that involves interdependent balance of five dimensions: physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and social health.
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27 Sep, 2011
Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan. Underwhelming for some, unnecessary hyperbole for others, but what does it really mean for the BC economy and job creation? Will it be enough to protect the province from the downward slope plaguing our southern neighbours or the Eurozone crisis and rumours of another recession?
Last week Christy Clark toured the province sharing her plans for job creation as BC looks to cope with and even possibly grow in today’s economic environment. She has been criticized for proposing mild measures, some would say incapable of firmly steering the province in the right direction as well as missing some sectors and regions. Clark has labeled BC a ‘safe port in an unsettled economic storm’, but what does this really mean? Let’s look at the key areas of the Plan.
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31 Aug, 2011
Every organization at some point in time will have to announce some type of change in the workplace. It’s right up there with death and taxes – we can count on it!
The changes may be new or updated technology; changes in leadership (a new supervisor hired in a department); or changes in policies for one reason or another.
The way in which changes are communicated will determine how successful the changes are understood and adopted by the employee group. Having been involved in a number of change initiatives in various organizations I can tell you with from experience, communicating effectively is a must!
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24 Aug, 2011
Ever consider offering flexible working? If you’re like 88% of Canadian companies, you are already. Flexible working, whether telecommuting or allowing employees to work schedules that are personally customized, is part of the evolution that is taking place throughout the modern workforce. The workplace has evolved. As the traditional definitions of ‘work’ have changed, so has the way it gets done.
Mobile workforces, where work is conducted outside of the office environment, is becoming increasingly popular. In 2010, 16% of the global workforce was employed in mobile working situations and it is expected that by 2020, this number will increase to 35%.
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30 Jun, 2011
If the employees who currently hold key or critical positions within your organization were to leave tomorrow, would there be any qualified and/or experienced employees prepared to assume their role?
As the demographics of the workplace continue to shift with employees of the baby boomer generation quickly heading towards retirement, many organizations are struggling to answer this question. Succession planning is the process of identifying and developing internal employees with the potential to fill key or critical organizational positions.
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Last week Apple officially launched its much anticipated iCloud service at the Worldwide Developer Conference in San Francisco. CEO Steve Jobs made reference to a $1 billion iDataCenter, suggesting that Apple has big plans for the future of Cloud Computing.
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With more and more folks becoming aware of human rights and anti-bullying legislation coming into effect (Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan have passed provincial legislation against bullying and BC now has an advocacy group - http://bullyfreebc.ca) there has been an increase in complaints being brought forward concerning bullying, not only to employers but also to human rights council.
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23 Mar, 2011
When we think of workplace conflict, most of us probably cringe. No one likes to deal with conflict. But…conflict can actually be good. From conflict comes growth. The trick is to discover how to manage conflict so that it stays healthy and doesn’t go down the path of destruction. If we allow conflict to get out of hand, we can unknowingly create a toxic workplace and that is certainly something we want to avoid.
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16 Mar, 2011
For something a little different this week we’ve put together a list of free Webinars being offered during March:
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02 Mar, 2011
Something that is often overlooked when we promote our employees into supervisory or management roles, is to provide them with adequate training to do the job; an orientation and onboarding process.
Because these employees have been with the company for a while (typically) we don’t think about the orientation and on-boarding they will need. Even though they may be familiar with the culture of the organization and understand the way things work for the most part, they may not understand the different expectations we will now have of them. Up to this point in time, the employee will have demonstrated technical strengths; however, they may not have the people management skills needed.
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19 Jan, 2011
The quest for employee engagement has been front and centre in the business world for several years; however, there still seems to be a lack of understanding or will on the part of leadership to take the advice being given by those who have researched the topic.
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05 Jan, 2011
Okay, I’ll admit it, when I first skimmed BC Business’ list of 10 best companies to work for in BC it seemed like companies were being recognized for the same old, same old. But on further examination… it seems as though this year’s crop of decidedly smaller companies are paying attention to the things that make for a better employee experience.
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29 Nov, 2010
Have you ever had to work with an employee to improve performance? Have you ever felt like you were at the end of your rope with an employee who just didn’t seem to ‘get it’?
Coaching an employee may be an opportunity for a win/win situation. While it may seem that you’ve tried everything; trying to understand what the blocks are for the employee, I wonder how many of us think about coaching as opposed to considering discipline, as a way to achieve our goals.
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08 Nov, 2010
What does it mean to me when I say that I trust someone?
Trust, to me, means that I can have confidence in a person to do what she says she will do. I can believe in her when she’s given me her word on something…and I can feel that she truly has my best interests at heart.
It means that a person won’t take advantage of me and she’ll be honest with me and because I know that; I am comfortable in being honest with her. It means that if she does make a mistake – she will take accountability for that mistake and not try to make excuses for what happened.
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21 Oct, 2010
I have worked for companies large and small that seem to struggle with how to effectively provide their new employees with orientations to the company. Here are a few tips that might help toward making the process more successful.
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The above comic may poke fun at social media policies in the workplace, but it is an issue that abounds in offices everywhere. According to a survey conducted by eMarketer.com in April of this year, nearly four in 10 (39 per cent) U.S. companies surveyed still ban social media in the workplace and it is estimated that it costs businesses $2 billion USD in lost productivity globally each year.
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25 Nov, 2008
What makes a good employee leave may not always come down to pay. In fact, a good employee may leave your company in spite of the pay and benefits you offer. Good employees often leave because they’re frustrated with their career development,
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25 Nov, 2008
Employee benefit plans often scare away small businesses. But employee benefit plans don’t have to be expensive. Although offering medical, dental, vision, disability and retirement plans can help you recruit and retain talent, small firms can stay competitive with a host of inexpensive benefits.
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Employee retention programs offer organizations several strategies for reducing turnover. Since people are the only assets that can literally get up and walk out the door, employee retention programs can be vital in a tight job market.
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Telecommuting advantages may just be a matter of clever management. Although some managers worry that telecommuters will abuse their privileges, telecommuting advantages often outweigh the drawbacks.
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25 Nov, 2008
Small business employee benefits have emerged as keys to winning the war for talent. Small and midsized business employee benefits can be strategic as the labour market continues to thrive and there is increasing competition for top talent.
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Problem employees — you’ve worked with them, perhaps for them and now you’re in a position where you need to manage them. Problem employees pose a range of costs for employers,
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25 Nov, 2008
Employee retention programs can help you hang on to your most valuable assets – your star performers. By implementing even basic employee retention programs,
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25 Nov, 2008
School is out, the warm weather is calling and your employees are making plans for golf dates, island getaways and family vacations. Many organizations are already operating with leaner teams,
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Decrease employee turnover and your organization will be in a better position. You’ll need to decrease employee turnover to deal with imminent workforce changes.
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Performance review tips can help managers better achieve goals. Performance reviews tips can help you strike the right balance between praise and constructive criticism
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Employee performance goals are one of the most important skills required of successful managers. Managing employee performance goals really depends on your ability to inspire team members.
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25 Nov, 2008
When conducting exit interviews, many firms are surprised by the reasons employees give for moving on. Often there are little things that add up to the big decision to look elsewhere for alternate employment.
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Job advertisements should gain you the best possible applicants for your vacant position. Don’t waste money by paying for non-performing employment advertisements.
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25 Nov, 2008
Whether you’re managing your own company or one department within the regional office of an international corporation, there are universal challenges every supervisor faces. These difficulties test the mettle and resourcefulness of even the most seasoned and skilled supervisor.
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25 Nov, 2008
Choosing the right employee for your business is a very important decision that can often be a time-consuming and expensive process. Thoughtful, up-front preparation will reduce the possibility of adding a poor candidate to your existing team. Busy managers are often tempted to fill positions quickly which may result in a marginal employee who can cost you lots of money.
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28 May, 2007
A person who is able to the job, and willing to do the work. Someone with team spirit, and who is manageable. Someone who fits within the organization’s culture, and is personally compatible with the organization and our current employees. An emotionally mature adult with sound and rational judgment. That’s all.
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28 May, 2007
Our experience has repeatedly shown that there is a wide-spread lack of understanding about the different types of search and recruiting firms, the types of services offered by search firms, what search firms actually do and what is the best type of firm to use in a given situation.
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25 Nov, 2008
You’re facing a dilemma many managers would like to have: You’ve found more than one strong candidate for a position.
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Effective management of human resources is one of the most important elements of a competitive business. In lean times and periods of economic uncertainty, it’s especially critical to carefully monitor and manage your biggest expense: labour.
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Temporary employees have a huge influence on the success of a company. In today’s fast-paced business environment, hiring temps – temporary project professionals – is an integral part of a company’s ability to remain competitive.
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Employee retention ideas can help you cut your human resources costs. When top performers start jumping ship, it’s most often for professional, not personal, reasons.
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30 Jan, 2008
Boosting employee morale creates satisfied, dependable and productive employees. Often a customer will choose to purchase your product or service based on the employee who represents that product or service, and the happier the employee, the more likely he is to attract customers.
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25 Nov, 2008
Succession planning is the key to selecting and developing the people you'll need to carry out the vision for your company. Often referred to in the realm of family business, it isn't just about replacing the boss upon retirement.
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29 Jun, 2009
Employee surveys can make your business more efficient, more attractive and more profitable. You may think everything’s under control, but getting your employees’ input will give you a fuller picture of what's working well and what areas of your organization might benefit from change.
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12 Nov, 2009
There are undeniable facts that relate workplace health and workplace wealth. Reports show that for every dollar invested in workplace health and wellness, returns from $2.30 to $10.10 can be measured through reduced sick days, fewer WorkSafeBC claims and increased productivity.
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Employee retention is a battle for hearts and minds. Most companies are not putting in place the people strategies that will alleviate the challenges of employee retention. There is insufficient understanding of employees’ motivation to engage them and sustain their loyalty.
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26 Mar, 2008
Four generations in the same workplace? It’s a reality for some companies. With the Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers and Veterans under one office roof, companies need to manage a range of work and lifestyles.
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In this age where people customize everything from their 10 am lattes to their lunchtime sandwich, “one size fits all” no longer applies. Employees want to customize when, how and where to work, too. Offer flexible work options and your company will have an edge.
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01 Dec, 2008
In February 2006, Towers Perrin released an international workforce study called Winning Strategies for a Global Workforce. The purpose of the study was to “identify the drivers of attraction, retention, and engagement through the eyes of employees.”
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12 Nov, 2009
Flexible work options can help you manage a workforce of individuals with diverse needs. It can also help you brand your company to create a distinct workplace culture. If you’re interested in flexible work options, take a look at the wide range of offerings.
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Retaining top employees should be one of your top human resources goals. Like it or not, some of your employees have made it their resolution to pursue new career opportunities. If you’re a manager, this can actually work in your favour in ways that may surprise you.
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01 Dec, 2008
The practice of promoting capable staff members to management-level positions – rather than hiring someone from outside the firm – is a powerful motivation and retention tool. Using this strategy sends a clear message to your current employees that you reward talent, hard work and loyalty.
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01 Dec, 2008
Why is onboarding important? If for no other reason, it's because organizations are doing do it more frequently than ever. As the shortage of workers escalates exponentially, future-focused leaders need to be strategic about how to integrate their new hires quickly and effectively.
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12 Nov, 2009
New hire training, orientation and communication tactics can help you get staff up to speed as soon as possible. Managers often want to “on ramp” staff quickly, whether they’re new hires or inter-departmental transfers. However, starting a new job can present an array of challenges and the learning curve can vary depending on the individual.
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As a seasonal employer, you know how difficult it can be to find qualified, committed, and motivated employees who will work for a short period of time (winter or summer season). Imagine being able to keep the stars of your organization coming back year after year.
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23 Sep, 2008
We all subscribe to the adage that it is cheaper to keep a current customer than to acquire a new one. The same premise applies to employees.
Recruiting new staff is a time consuming and expensive exercise that directly affects your bottom line.
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01 Dec, 2008
Canadian employers expect a positive hiring climate for the October to December period of 2008 according to the latest results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, the most extensive,forward-looking employment survey in the world.
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23 Sep, 2008
These days, when talented employees are becoming increasingly hard to find in the labour market, attracting the best people and keeping them motivated are hot topics for Canadian and Montréal businesspeople. During the 1990s, offering high wages was sufficient to keep a workforce satisfied and attract the most qualified talent.
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Effective mentoring is far from easy. While companies recognize the value of mentoring programs and commit to implementing them in their workplaces, many fail to recognize the structure and skills required to make a relationship-based, informal feedback development process, such as a mentoring program, work. Effective mentoring takes planning.
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08 Jan, 2009
A recent survey suggests today's employers are
most worried about hanging on to good employees, even in the current economy
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16 Jan, 2009
Receiving recognition for achievements is one of the most fundamental human requirements. Effective leaders know the importance of recognition and the role it plays in reinforcing the accomplishments of employees, ensuring there will be more of them.
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17 Mar, 2009
Today more than ever, employers are aware of the importance of encouraging
adaptability, specialist skills and development in their employees. Keeping up
with new industry practices and technological change are essential if employees
are to meet the challenges of the future. For employers, this means training is an
aspect of staff development they cannot afford to ignore.
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16 Apr, 2009
Labour Market Partnerships is an employment program that provides financial assistance to organizations to encourage, support and facilitate labour force adjustments and human resource planning activities which are in the public interest.
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23 Apr, 2009
More people consciously choose to move from job to job - acquiring new skills, working the hours that suit them and shying away from long-term commitments. How times have changed.
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21 May, 2009
In times of skill shortages, employees need more than an impressive pay deal,
prestigious job title and package of perks to stay interested in their current
position for a reasonable length of time. People are also working longer. With
long work hours, their decision is often not whether they are fulfilled in their job
but how motivated they feel. Much of this depends on how they relate to you –
the boss. Do you captivate and motivate?
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12 Nov, 2009
Work-Sharing is an adjustment program designed to help employers and workers avoid temporary layoffs when there is a reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. The measure provides income support to workers eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who are willing to work a temporarily reduced work-week.
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29 Jun, 2009
In March 2009, BC HRMA conducted its second annual survey of HR trends. The survey gathers information relating to the challenges and issues facing HR functions in BC as well as projections regarding changes in staffing, HR budgets and the focus of resources over the next 12 months. In addition, this year the survey collected data on HR involvement in strategy and areas which HR should be discussing but is not.
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You want your company to be seen as an "employer of choice" so you can attract and retain great staff regardless of economic conditions, but with all the news about the economic downturn, you're wondering whether you have any alternatives to staff layoffs.
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28 Aug, 2009
Predictive Attrition - Sounds like something out of the Tom Cruise Movie Minority Report. In fact, it is a term, as used in a recent Canadian Business article that better describes a new methodology at Google for measuring the likelihood of retaining an employee. The article goes on to say that Google is doing what it does best, using data to drive management decisions (one of its 10 Golden Rules), while critics say that just doing something because it can be done does not always make business sense.
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Employee success is largely affected by two things: Personal factors and environmental factors. Personal factors include the appropriate skills to perform a job combined with the motivation to utilize those skill-sets effectively. Environmental factors include manager fit and cultural fit.
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Safety Services Canada is proud to offer a free H1N1 flu prevention course for a limited time. The online course is specifically designed for employers and outlines their legal obligations regarding H1N1 flu prevention in the workplace.
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27 Nov, 2009
Employers may have a common resolution in mind as the new year approaches: keeping top performers on board. As we begin to come out of a difficult recession, many companies recognize that their most valued employees will be presented with other opportunities.
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For organizations and employees everywhere, it’s been an undoubtedly difficult year. An uncertain economy. Record-high unemployment numbers. Increased workload and stress. The toll on personal relationships and finances.
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18 Dec, 2009
In order to stay afloat, a compulsory effect of the recession for many companies has been a concentrated and immediate focus on the bottom line. As a result, employers and their employees have felt the inevitable strain of extensive layoffs, chaotic restructurings, and difficult cuts and freezes in pay and benefits.
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22 Mar, 2010
Good or bad economy, the need to make a quality hire doesn’t change. Given that the Cost of Voluntary Turnover for 2009 was approximately $56,000 for the private sector and over $80,000 for the public sector, hiring decisions cannot be taken lightly as the wrong decision can impact the bottom-line.
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Top performers. They are most often the true indicator of a company’s culture and are part of the integral root system of a company’s success. They are the first to speak up and also the first to pursue feedback. What they will not do is sit idle.
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As the economy continues on an up swing, organizations will be busy trying to find the perfect employee to fill the gaps needed to fuel their growing business needs. Finding a qualified employee is one thing but keeping them is a whole new ball game.
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24 Aug, 2010
Things are looking up. The economy seems to be getting stronger. Hiring freezes are thawing. People are finding work.
It’s not entirely positive – both job hunters and employers are struggling. Competition for job opportunities remains fierce, and hiring managers seem to have their pick. And yet, positions remain vacant, and employers find it difficult to find what they’re looking for. We still have a talent shortage.
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25 Apr, 2012
Want to keep employees satisfied in their jobs without one foot out the door? Give them a little credit, a new OfficeTeam survey suggests. More than half (54 per cent) of workers interviewed said they would be somewhat or very likely to leave their current position if they didn't feel appreciated by their manager.
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