How to Prevent Employees From Leaving After the Market Picks Up

The economy won't stay in the red forever, andprofessional development. There simply isn't enough
with the government taking steps to improve it bymoney to further employees skills/careers. It's crucial
the day, employers are anticipating many of theirat this point in time to for managers to develop new
staff to run for the doors. A survey was conductedplans of growth and education. "This is not
in December by Yahoo HotJobs involving over 800necessarily about promotions, but learning and getting
recruiters and hiring managers questioning theirexposure to new technologies and processes and
opinions on employee turnovers in 2010. 44% agreedexpanding their skill sets," states Armstrong.
or strongly agreed that when and if the economyMake your appreciation known. Many staff have
bounces back, business nationwide will experience aexperienced the effects of lay-offs and salary
major employee turnover.freezes/cuts. It is recommended that you verbalize
Mark Anderson, President and Chief Economist foryour appreciation to your staff and praise those who
ExecuNet, stated that around 90% of executives aredeserve the uplifting words of thanks. They need to
taking calls from recruiters and job head hunters. Heknow you felt the sacrifices just as much as they did
believes this to be a sign that more executives andand am thankful for having such devote employees
such are considering their options.who still give it everything they've got. The gesture
We believe that any improvement to the economydoesn't have to be monetary in form, as long as
doesn't have to leave your company short of a fewthere is sincerity, understanding, and
skilled professionals. As employment experts, weacknowledgement in your words of thanks, it will be
wish to share with you a few suggestions that canappreciated.
see your business through this tumultuous time, andKeep the communication lines open. Ongoing
keep your top employees right where they are.communication between staff and management
Conduct a "stay" survey of staff. Many times,allows for little misunderstanding. Your employees will
management and business owners learn about theirsee you on different level by asking questions
employees dislikes when completing an exit interview.involving projects, or by asking if there is anything
We suggest you get ahead of the game andyou can do to make their job easier. Have them
interview your staff before they turn in their noticecomplete a questionnaire about your performance
to leave. Sharon Armstrong, author of "The Ultimateand involvement or simply ask for them to provide
HR Handbook", suggests that now is the time to findsuggestions that would make the job more to their
out how your employees are feeling. She furtherliking. By leaving the communication lines open to all
states, "Employees shouldn't feel like there will be astaff, you really get to experience the true heart
'gotcha' when they have complaints. These 'staybeat of the company- whether it's good or bad.
interviews' should be conducted by a third party, notKnow the status once the turnovers begin.There are
the manager, or HR could hold focus groups in a safegoing to be some folks who wish to leave your
setting."company no matter what you do. It's important for
Create and encourage more career development.hiring managers and HR staff to be aware of where
Businesses, more often than not, are looking to cutthe gaps need to be filled, and start the process to
costs just to keep themselves afloat. One of thetake on new employees immediately.
first areas that is placed on the chopping block is