6 Tips To Attract And Retain Topnotch Staff

1.  Be Competitive - Money talks!  And if you want to have a happy staff, make sure that you offer a competitive salary and benefits.  If you cannot offer exactly the same dollar amount as a larger company, find creative ways to sweeten the pot (a few examples are listed below).  

2.  Offer Retirement Benefits - It is not very common for small businesses to offer retirement benefits.  Providing such benefits does not need to be extremely costly or complicated; there are simple plans available that are not too pricey.  Offering retirement security can be very effective at increasing staff loyalty.

3.  Be Flexible - In this day and age, telecommuting and flex scheduling is becoming much more prevalent.  These practices are definitely worth considering since they do not necessarily cost your company much, if any, money, and these perks can go a long way to show that you care about your employees.

4.  Stay Current With Technology - Try and keep your tools, computers and technology up-to-date.  In addition to making staff happier with the latest and greatest, your company could see the added benefit of increased productivity as well as staying relevant in your field.

5.  Smaller Can Be Better - You might not think that a small company could actually be a better place to work than a large one, but there can be some serious advantages.  For one, since there are fewer voices, staff at a small company might have more say in how things are done.  A small company might also have a closer-knit feeling that many will appreciate. Finally, employees could have more responsibilities, which, for a motivated employee, can help them feel like what they do really matters.  When your company is going through the hiring process, make sure to bring up these (often overrated) benefits.

6.  Allow For Growth - People like to know that their hard work could pay off down the line with either a promotion or a raise.  Keep staff motivated by offering new opportunities and always be on the lookout for ways that employees can advance in the company.  You want to keep your people invested in their job and the company.  If you can promote internally, consider doing so.

Executive Summary:  While large companies certainly have a lot to offer and might seem like a more exciting choice, smaller businesses have a lot going for them too.  Whether you are part of a  large company or a small business owner, take the time to find ways in which you can attract and keep the best candidates.

Courtesy: Dale Carnegie® Training Newsletter