Worried about losing your top engineering talent? Here's what you can do.
In today's competitive job market, retaining top talent is a major concern for many engineering leaders. The so-called "Great Resignation" has shown us that employees are not afraid to leave their jobs in search of better opportunities. If you're worried about losing your best performers, here are a few processes that you can put in place as a HR professoinal in the manufacturing and engineering industry.
1. Create a culture of recognition and appreciation.
Employees are more likely to stay with a company where they feel valued and appreciated. Make sure you're regularly recognising your employees' contributions, both big and small. This could include verbal praise, written thank-you notes, or small gifts. While a bottle of fizz won't keep someone intent on leaving, a genuine show of respect and gratitude does not have to cost a lot.
2. Offer competitive compensation and benefits.
Money isn't everything, but it's certainly important. Make sure you're offering your employees competitive salaries and benefits packages. This will help you attract and retain top talent. Benefits can include incentives such as "Early Finish Fridays" based on KPI achievements or offering staff flexibility to start their shifts a little later / earlier to help them navigate traffic or school runs. This might sound difficult but can be achieved with some clever calculations and "grouping" start /finish times.
3. Provide opportunities for growth and development.
Employees want to know that they have a future with your company. Provide them with opportunities to learn new skills and advance their careers. This could include training programs, mentoring opportunities, and stretch assignments. Don't be afraid to ask your staff member what they want. Really understand their motivation - it's not always more money or more opportunities. Sometimes staff merely want to be challanged and respected in their roles.
4. Foster a positive work environment.
Employees are more likely to stay with a company where they feel happy and fulfilled. Create a positive work environment where employees feel respected and supported. Open communication and an approachable management team fosters loyalty and transparency. It might go against the grain of some company cultures but they are proven effective in rettention strategies.
5. Conduct stay interviews.
Stay interviews are a great way to get feedback from your employees and identify any potential issues. Ask your employees what they like about their jobs, what they would change, and what would make them more likely to stay with the company. Really get an understanding of what motivates them, what drives them on their best days and what drains them on the days when performance isn't at it's best.
Pioneer Selection - Your Retention Partner
If you're concerned about losing your best performers, Pioneer Selection can help. We are a leading recruitment agency specializing in the manufacturing and engineering industries. We can help you create a retention strategy that will keep your top talent engaged and motivated.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you retain your best performers.