 | Stephanie Tooke
holds a Bachelors Degree in Electronic Engineering and an MBA in Business. She is currently pursuing her PhD. in Organizational Management with a focus on Leadership. Stephanie spent 18 years of her professional career with AlliedSignal Aerospace in the United States and Canada where she held several positions including Project Engineer, Quality Engineer and IPDS Team Leader. In 1997 Stephanie earned her Six Sigma Green Belt certification and trained 1500 employees in Total Quality Management. She is currently the Director of the ACT Centers in Hutchinson and Wichita and has expanded the Wichita site into a center for business consulting, problem solving and customized training. You may contact her by phone at (316) 978-8230. |
Business Consulting
2003-07-01 10:56:00
Fewer loyal employees?
ANSWER: One of the reasons that it appears that employees no longer show allegiance to their employers and companies is that the basic employment contract has changed dramatically over the past 10-15 years. Until the early 1990's, new workers followed the example of their parents. That model was one where they graduated college and went to work for a company with a good reputation and benefits. They might change to another company or possibly two while they are trying to find their niche but once they discovered a company that they liked and that liked them, they usually stayed there until they retired. That model resulted in employees who were loyal to their company and in turn the employers were loyal to their long standing employees. The current reality is much different. In recent years people have begun to jump from job to job to find what works best for them, what has the best pay, what has the best benefits, etc. In addition, companies have gone through so many cycles of layoffs that no one feels their job is truly safe anymore particularly in some of the more beleaguered industries such as aerospace. These changes in the job and economic climates have resulted in companies having a lessened sense of loyalty to their employees and vice-versa. That being said, there are some concrete things that you as an employer can do to help retain good loyal employees. If companies expect loyalty from their employees then they must show some to their employees so they don't want to leave at the next best opportunity. Start by implementing a rewards and recognition system that rewards employees in ways that are important and unique to each individual. Insist that your employees take the time to create a good work/life balance and make it a priority. Be clear that while you expect them to work hard, you also expect them to spend time on things outside of the workplace. Show by your own example that things outside the cubicle walls are also important and valued. Show your support when important things happen in your employees lives such as a child's graduation or wedding. Encourage involvement with family, friends and in community activities. Have your employees take on a civic improvement project as a group and reward and recognize them for their success. Encourage them to draw their families into the activity. Have frequent picnics and other outside activities. These can be as simple as a group covered dish event where everyone brings their favorite dish for all to sample. Invite a guest speaker in to talk about topics of importance to the employees. Many speakers are willing to come to speak for little or no cost to you. If your employees begin to feel like a close knit team that really believes you have their best interests at heart, they are much more likely to stay with you rather that climbing the fence to find greener pastures.
