Engaging and retaining talent

Understand what employee engagement is

Engagement refers to the connection your employees have with the organisation. Employees with a stronger connection are more passionate about their job, more likely to be productive, more likely to be an advocate for the company and less likely to leave.

Define your organisational purpose

Clearly defined values and organisational purpose go a long way towards high employee engagement. Make sure your employees feel like they are working with you towards a common goal. They are more likely to be interested in a long-term working relationship with you if they feel their values are aligned with those of the organisation.

Give your employees a voice

Your employees want to know they are valued. So ask them for their input and then act on their suggestions. Get to know them. Demonstrate true interest in who they are and recognise them for what they’re doing well. Employees who feel like their thoughts and opinions matter are more likely to be invested in their jobs and in the organisation.

Consider job design

Make sure the job roles within your organisation are significant to your overall goal or purpose. Employees want to know they’re making an impact and the work they’re doing has value. Build in a development plan for each role that includes training, opportunities to acquire new skills and the ability to give and receive feedback.

Look at retention from multiple angles

There is no single answer to a retention issue. Working on improving engagement can certainly help, but it’s not a quick fix. Look at everything from external factors and availability of talent in the labour market to how you’re structuring your selection process to bring in the right candidates. Retention should be addressed from multiple angles.