Keeping top employees engaged and interested is a big challenge these days. In 2022, one in 20 Dutch people changed jobs. Of these job changers, 60% worked less than two years with their previous employer (CBS, 2023). Therefore, it is not only crucial to attract new employees, but above all to retain them. After all, long-term top employees improve organisational culture and are generally more productive. But how do you retain top employees? In this article, we share eight valuable tips for retaining top employees.
1. Invest in good onboarding
When you hire someone new, it is crucial to give them a good start right away. A solid onboarding process is designed not only to teach them the ins and outs of their new job, but also to familiarise them with the organisational culture and how to thrive within it. Don't skip this first step, because how you onboard them can set the tone for their entire career with your organisation.
2. Mentoring programmes
Pair new team members with a mentor, especially if there is a lot of remote working. Mentors can give newcomers guidance, advice and serve as a sounding board. It's a win-win: new team members learn from the experience of others, while being able to offer a fresh perspective themselves.
3. Remuneration of employees
Retain top employees by rewarding your team competitively. That means evaluating and adjusting salaries regularly, even if you can't increase wages right away. Also look at other forms of reward such as bonuses, enhanced health insurance and pension plans. It all helps to increase your team's satisfaction.
4. Additional benefits
Flexible working hours and the option to work remotely; these benefits are greatly appreciated by many professionals. In fact, research shows that home office allowances are high on the wish list (Robert Half, 2024). Offering these perks can not only attract new people, but also re-energise your current team members.
5. Give employees ownership
By actively involving employees in decision-making and giving them responsibility for tasks and projects, you increase their commitment and motivation. This contributes to their personal development and loyalty to the organisation.
6. Continuous feedback on performance
Retain top employees by moving away from annual performance reviews and instead organise regular one-to-one meetings. Discuss short- and long-term goals, provide constructive feedback and help employees create a realistic career plan. By supporting them in their professional development, you increase their commitment to the organisation.
7. Training and development
Investing in the ongoing professional development of employees is crucial, especially in the face of rapid technological change. Offer opportunities for in-service training, virtual conferences, and tuition fees to improve their skills and competences to retain top employees.
8. Celebrate successes together
Recognising achievements, big and small, is essential for employee retention. Celebrate milestones such as project deliveries and anniversaries with the whole team, even if it has to be done virtually. This strengthens team spirit and shows appreciation for your employees' efforts.
Conclusion
By applying these tips, you can increase job satisfaction, strengthen staff loyalty and make your organisation attractive to top talent. Keep evaluating and adjusting these strategies regularly to maintain competitive advantage in a dynamic job market and retain top employees.
Sources
Central Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Nearly 6 in 10 job changers employed for less than two years. Central Bureau of Statistics. https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/nieuws/2023/08/bijna-6-op-10-baanwisselaars-korter-dan-twee-jaar-in-dienst
Robert Half Salary Guide 2024 | Salaries and trends in the Dutch labour market. (2024). https://content.roberthalfonline.com/SG24/SG24-PDF/2024-Salary-Guide-NL-NL.pdf
