Great people alone don’t guarantee corporate success, but no company succeeds without individual talent.

The goal of potential employees, possessing talent and desiring a beneficial career, is to work with the right company, in the right role, doing the right things, today and tomorrow. When a decision is made to join and stay with a company, several thought processes begin to determine what the best “fit” actually is.

A new work environment exists today—employees are more loyal to work and relationships than employers; there’s no stigma on jobhopping, and value is placed on quality of work life. The Saratoga Institute cited “job issues” as the main reason people voluntarily quit jobs. The Lou Harris Poll indicates 53% of workers expect to voluntarily quit within the next five years.

Right Management Consultants recently completed PeopleBrand, a study of organizations and employees examining retention factors for top talent. PeopleBrand highlighted several aspects of employment directly related to why employees come and stay with a company.

Compensation

Compensation includes pay, benefits, professional development and work/life balance. Pay and benefits are valued most when linked to performance. Companies should encourage professional development, providing opportunities to learn and grow. Work/life balance is defined as what employees need to satisfy their individual situations.

Work Environment

Treat employees like partners and educate them on the company’s current status. Provide opportunities for talent to do what they do best and let them direct problem solving in their areas of expertise. Make sure performance expectations are clear and materials needed to do the work properly are provided.

Leadership

Leaders should be creative visionaries with innovative ideas and a tolerance for risk. The senior leadership team should be composed of quality individuals with personal and professional integrity. The company’s mission should be easily understood and convey a feeling of importance to the employees. The leadership team must effectively communicate with employees.

Culture

A team-focused culture is optimal, emphasizing excellence. Creativity and innovation among employees should mirror that reflected by the leadership team. Employees should feel welcomed with caring relationships among them and their supervisors.

The Company

The company should have a positive market reputation as a place where talented people are committed to superior quality.

Businesses should be careful to perfect these parameters to please employees, but likewise, employers should expect return-performance from employees, defined by their skills, knowledge, experience and competencies. No employer hires talentless bodies and then operates successfully for long. After all, business is powered by people and their skills completing assigned jobs. Deliver value to the key talent crucial for your company’s success, and your business will reap the benefits.

Elaine Johnson, SPHR, is senior vice president with
Right Management Consultants in Jacksonville. She can
be reached at (904) 296-2233 or elainej@rightflorida.com.