How to Keep Great Employees

Employee turnover, and the costs associated with it, range widely based on the wage and role of the employee. One thing that you do have some control over is involuntary turnover – or, more explicitly controlling the need to fire an employee.

Let’s talk about firing employees, or rather how to not get to that point. The truth is that most times, a good employee needs some guidance to get back on track and be happy in their position.

It all starts with a conversation with the employee. There may be an issue they are struggling with that may be out of your control; however, you don’t know until you have had that conversation.

The truth is that firing an employee is costly. It can have further repercussions, such as lost productivity time, until their vacancy is filled. Letting an employee go can also affect morale. So how can you avoid firing a good employee? Here are some tips on how to get that valuable talent back on track:

1. Set a meeting with the employee and have a discussion about work performance, chances are they know there is a problem too.
2. While it is essential to address the issues that need to be corrected, don’t only talk about what your employee is doing wrong or needs to correct. Make sure to point out some of their strengths as well, so they don’t feel as if they are being attacked.
3. Together, set out two or three points where the employee can focus on improving.
4. Consider building an Individual Development Plan or an IDP. The IDP is a tool that sets out strengths and weaknesses, work requirements, and motivates your employee to get them back on the right track.

A manufacturing facility doesn’t think twice about retrofitting an expensive piece of machinery if it means improved performance. Why wouldn’t you do the same with an experienced employee? Helping a good employee find their best productivity, is an asset to your business.

How can we help?

If you or your team need help to identify obstacles and challenges in your workplace situation, contact Theresa, or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a 30-minute Complimentary Conversation. Reaching a goal is a journey, and Success Trek is here to take that journey alongside you.