Recruit and Retain workers

People are attracted and stay at their jobs...

1. Where they feel they are appreciated
People will stay where they are appreciated. Send a thank you card. A thank you card is a tangible, effective way to let workers to know you appreciate them.

2. Where they see a future
Define levels of employment.  The first level may be acknowledged with a small gift. The second may involve a raise.  A job title may mark the third.  A little imagination goes a long way in honoring each employees level of achievement.

3. Where they have like-minded vision or ideas
Workers will stay in a community when they can buy into the common vision.  Share vision regularly and build toward an exciting launch of any new vision. Include them in the process of promoting the vision.

4. They feel they are part of something
Let your workers be an integral part of your planning. Work consistently to set both individual and company goals. Continuously remind employees that they are key contributors to your success. Celebrate when you reach community goals. Have lunch together and commemorate the occasion with a gift for each worker.

5. Their hard work and time is rewarded
Workers put in additional time and go above and beyond for you when they feel their hard work is appreciated and rewarded. Honor employees for their commitment and work ethics. It will pay for itself in the long run. Send a family gift thanking the worker and the workers family for the extra effort.

6. Their ideas are appreciated and valued
Reward and implement creative suggestions. Encourage the sharing of dreams and honor ideas that improve morale, save money, and promote better practices. Put the names of all employees who make implementable suggestions in a monthly drawing for a great gift.

7. Where they learn new skills
Workers want to feel that they are growing and developing important skills. Workers may be gaining new skills during their daily routine and be totally unaware of the value of it. Celebrate the skills each worker has mastered. Make a certificate to commemorate this achievement.

8. Where they feel their work is vital
Most workers want to feel that what they do makes a meaningful difference--that work is more than just a means of paying the bills. Actively observe and pursue knowledge of instances where a worker has helped, changed, or improved the world around them. Reward the worker publicly with a certificate and a simple gift. Encourage fellow workers to comment.  

9. They are proud of where they work and their position
Give them something to brag about. Give them reason to be proud of the place they work and of the contribution they make to the overall good. Acknowledge the ways that their involvement makes the workplace environment and operation better. Build a simple program to promote the top 3 great things in your organization.

10. Where your personal life is valued and respected
Always remember that work is only one segment of a person life. Express appreciation and validate the importance of the workers and their families. Remember birthdays, anniversaries, and special family events (i.e. weddings or the birth of a new baby).  Always keep a stock of inexpensive gifts for the workers children for all organizational gatherings.