We’re hopefully doing both, right? I find myself immersed in helping our members discover and attract the best talent. We read over and over about how employee engagement and recognition are what employees really want; yet so many employers report that their people seem to sleepwalk through each day. Outside distractions and unnecessary wasted time seem to be on the rise.
Below, I uncover a few common problems that I discuss regularly with members, along with the possible solutions I often propose. The big question is always: Do we have the right people on board to prepare us for the future? From what I see when I’m out consulting and talking with members, I doubt it.
I often see productivity issues arise in companies where employee skillsets haven’t kept pace with technology. These employees also happen to be the ones who are at work only to make a living … not to make a difference.
Here are some ways to match employee problems with a simple solution.
Problem: We can’t retain the good employees, but we have no problem keeping the bad ones.
Solution: To keep good people around longer, you have to dismiss the bad people sooner.
Problem: Employee recognition programs have worn us out. They never seem as “cool” as the ones our employees read about elsewhere.
Solution: Let your employees develop the programs they really desire; you simply manage the budget portion. Everyone gets what they want that way.
Problem: Everyone wants more money, but we simply can’t afford it.
Solution: Before entertaining any wage or benefit increases, make sure you have the profits and revenue growth to support them. When in doubt, challenge those wanting increases to help figure out exactly where the company’s offsetting increase will come from … and how they contribute to it.
Problem: Employees seem disengaged when it comes to finding ways to be better – they just simply want more.
Solution: Take those same employees (just the good ones) and give them an assignment. Ask them to develop new methods to make the entire company better. Then, as a team, see if they respond to that challenge.
Problem: Staff members seem bored with what they’re doing. They need a change and want more money.
Solution: Turn it around. Ask them what they’d be willing to take ownership of. Ask them which additional responsibilities they would like to take on, and how they could make a bigger difference in the company’s overall success.
Try these simple solutions to see how employees react. If you need more support in terms of employee engagement or alignment send me an email and we can set up a time to talk. –Chuck Wilson, NSCA Executive Director
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