Green Grass Workplaces
Once in a while you will hear of a married couple that have been together for some incredible length of time. I recently heard on the radio of a couple that had been married for 80 years! Wow. The question, which always follows, is “What’s the secret to staying together so long.”
Many managers today are asking the same question. What is the secret of keeping people on your team? Especially in a climate where employees constantly keep finding greener grass somewhere else.
Many managers still think that the reason people leave is because they want more money. The truth is they do want more of something, but it’s usually not money. Have a look at the following list, which outlines the most common reasons people STAY at a job.
- Exciting and challenging work
- Career growth and development
- Great team to work with
- Recognized for a job well done
- Work that makes a difference
- Flexibility
- Fun
- Fair pay/benefits
- Respected
- Inspiring leadership
The good news for managers is almost everything on this list is under your influence. You may not be able to give an employee that raise but there are plenty of other things that you can help provide.
Action steps
1. Take a few minutes and think through each of your employees as you go down the list. Are any of them at risk for quitting because more than a few of these items are missing from their work?
2. Have a meeting with your direct reports and show them this list. Ask how they feel about it? Have a great dialogue regarding your culture, and what can be done to increase the chances of people staying long-term
