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The Great Resignation – Are You in Danger? (Part II)



Yesterday, we shared cringe-worthy research from Microsoft that nearly half (41%) of the global workforce would consider leaving their current employer in the next year. We spend a great deal of time and energy in the media world trying to attract and hire, but do we spend an equal amount of time on retention and making sure our current teams are satisfied?

In a recent RAB Leadership MasterClass coaching session, we discussed ways to reduce unwanted workforce turnover. The theme was: people first. The managers on this call felt that their teams were secure because of how they value them as people, not as tools to get a job done. Here are six specific things recommended to put people first:

1. Understand the human condition and offer grace with accountability.

2. Manage around weaknesses, and let people perform at their best.

3. Provide clear direction, job clarity and build belief with open communication.

4. Provide the tools and resources for personal growth and success.

5. Understand what’s “stupid” around here and be flexible and willing to make the necessary changes.

6. Pour encouragement into people and relate to them on a personal level. They are not just employees; they are people with complex lives. Embrace them.

Can you handle the truth?

Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman in their book, First Break All The Rules, share research on employee retention/satisfaction. The book is based on Gallup Organizations interviews of more than 80,000 managers at all levels, and in companies of all sizes. Gallup isolated the 12 characteristics of a strong workplace as seen through the eyes of the most successful and productive employees. There are 12 questions that should be used as an initial measuring stick to determine how you’re doing. When you identify areas of weakness, you must work to improve them. Here are the first four questions:

1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?

2. Do I have the equipment and material I need to do my work right?

3. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?

4. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for good work?

Talk about ignoring conventional wisdom, there’s not a single question in the 12 that has to do with compensation, benefits or vacation time.

It’s no secret that companies where employees can answer the 12 questions in the affirmative dramatically outperform, not only in retention and job satisfaction, but also in productivity, revenue growth and profitability. This is important stuff.

Do your employees love what they are doing, and where they are doing it? If not, you’re in danger of losing them. Are you willing to ask the 12 questions? We created a PDF that you can use to survey your team. Shoot me an email and I’ll send them.

Jeff Schmidt is the SVP of Professional Development. You can reach him at Jeff.Schmidt@RAB.com. You can also connect with him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Source: Jeff Schmidt, RAB